Sharad Poonam is the day when the moon is the closest to the earth in the year. It is the day when people celebrate during the night by singing devotional songs with musical instruments. Celebrations take place in the form of Garba and Raas Utsav. Dudh Pawa (rice in thick milk) is served to all on this special day.
According to Hindu scripture, on the night of Sharad Poonam (the full moon of the month of Aso), the moon shines with all its sixteen kalas (phases of glory). The moonlight on this night is believed to be particularly nourishing and healing.
A special tradition involves placing a flat dish of Dudh Pawa (flattened rice in sweetened milk) under the open sky to absorb the nectar of the moonlight (amrita). This prasad is then distributed to devotees. It is believed that consuming this moon-blessed prasad brings health benefits and spiritual merit.
In the Swaminarayan tradition, Lord Swaminarayan himself celebrated Sharad Poonam with great joy. He would participate in Garba and Raas dances with devotees, and special kirtans would be sung through the night. Mandirs continue this tradition today with night-long devotional programmes.