Ekadashi — the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight — is considered one of the most powerful days for fasting in the Hindu tradition. It falls twice a month and is especially dear to devotees of Lord Vishnu. Here is how to observe it correctly.
Ekadashi kya hai?
Ekadashi is the 11th tithi (lunar day) of both the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) phases of the moon, so it occurs twice every month.
Fasting on this day is believed to purify the body and mind and to bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Vrat ke niyam (rules of the fast)
The fast traditionally begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and is broken the next morning on Dwadashi, within a set window after sunrise (the 'parana' time).
Grains, rice, and lentils are avoided. Many devotees keep a nirjala (waterless) fast; others take fruits, milk, and 'vrat-friendly' foods like sabudana, kuttu, and singhara.
Avoid onion, garlic, and tamasic foods. Keep the day simple — chanting, reading, and rest are encouraged.
Vrat vidhi (how to observe)
Wake before sunrise, bathe, and take a sankalp (resolve) to keep the fast. Light a diya before Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' or read the Vishnu Sahasranama through the day. Break the fast at the prescribed parana time on Dwadashi with simple sattvic food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ekadashi vrat me kya kha sakte hain?
Fruits, milk, dry fruits, and vrat-special foods like sabudana khichdi, kuttu atta, and singhara. Grains, rice, lentils, onion, and garlic are avoided.
Ekadashi vrat kab tode (when to break the fast)?
The fast is broken the next morning on Dwadashi, within the parana window after sunrise. Breaking it within this time is considered important.
Kya beemar log Ekadashi vrat rakh sakte hain?
Those who are unwell, pregnant, or on medication can keep a partial fast with fruits and milk, or skip it — health comes first in the tradition.