Kheer under the moon on Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima is almost here, the night the moon is said to shine with all sixteen of its kalas, and in my house that means one thing: kheer under the moon.

You make rice kheer slowly, with full-fat milk, a little cardamom and a few strands of saffron. Then the bowl goes out on the balcony for a few hours in the moonlight, covered with fine muslin so the moonlight gets in and the insects don't. It's offered first, then shared, and everyone swears it tastes sweeter.

In Bengal they say Lakshmi walks the earth that night asking 'Ko jagarti?' Who is awake? My grandchildren are determined to be awake this year. I give them until 10:30.