Fasting on Ashwin Purnima for blessings and fulfillment of wishes

Ashwin Purnima Vrat is the monthly full-moon fast kept on the Purnima of Ashwin, one of the most auspicious Purnimas of the year because it coincides with Sharad Purnima. The Purnima vrat is traditionally kept on the day the full moon prevails at moonrise, so that the fast can be broken after offering arghya to the moon. Devotees fast from sunrise, worship Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan and Goddess Lakshmi, often perform the Satyanarayan Katha, and in the evening offer arghya of milk, water, rice and white flowers to the rising moon before taking food. The Ashwin Purnima vrat carries the added blessing of the moon of sixteen kalas: the kheer offered to the moon and kept in its light becomes prasad for health, and the night is kept in jagaran for Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes where devotees are awake. The vrat is especially recommended for peace of mind, emotional balance and a strong Moon in the horoscope, for harmony between spouses, and for the prosperity of the household.

The fast is kept from sunrise to moonrise.