Overview of Ekadashi Festival

Hinduism is a religion filled with festivals. We Hindus do not leave a chance to gather and celebrate the auspiciousness of a day with our near and dear ones. One such festival happens to be Ekadashi. The power of Ekadashi lies in the meaning of this term. The word Ekadashi is derived from a Sanskrit word which means eleven, thus, the term ekadashi in English means or Ekadashi meaning in English is used to refer to the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. This festival is known to hold a lot of importance and significance in Hindu culture. This day holds a special significance for Hindus and is considered to be a very auspicious day for spiritual practices.

Ekadasi is observed as a day of fasting, meditation, and prayer. On this day, devotees abstain from food and water for the entire day and engage in various spiritual activities. The fast is seen as a way of purifying the body and mind and attaining spiritual growth. Moreover, the importance of ekadashi fast is that it allows an individual to attain spiritual inclination, getting rid of any or every malefic planetary influence and to strengthen a weaker planet. Alongside this, the Ekadasi fast is also known to help an individual attain mental peace and balance.

Let us now answer some of the very common questions about this special occasion. Firstly let us answer the question - Why is Ekadashi celebrated? Well, it is known to be celebrated by individuals to get closer to Lord Krishna. People fast on the days of this event in order to attain spiritual inclination and also to get some sort and sense of mental peace and balance.

The next question that comes in an individual’s mind about Ekadasi is - What are the rules of Ekadashi? Well, in general there are no such rigid and solid rules of this festival . However, on the other hand, if an individual is keeping a fast on these days then there are some things that they must keep in mind. This is that only fruits, vegetables and milk products are eaten on these days. No other food item is allowed.

The Two Forms Of Ekadashi

There are known to be two types of Ekadashi, these include the following:

  1. - Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon)
  2. - Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon)

Each Ekadashi has a different significance and is associated with different Hindu deities. For example, the importance of ekadashi first of the Hindu year is celebrated as the 'Mukkoti Ekadashi' and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Similarly, the second type of this occasion of the Hindu month is known as 'Papmochani Ekadashi' and is associated with Lord Shiva.

Ekadashi - Significance and Benefits

On this day, devotees visit Hindu temples, perform puja (worship) and offer prayers to their chosen deity. Some people also choose to meditate, recite hymns, and chant mantras on this day. The fast is broken the next day, known as Dwadashi, with a special meal that is usually made from ingredients such as rice, fruit, and milk. It is not just a day of physical fasting but also a day of mental fasting. It is a day to detach from worldly desires and focus on spirituality. Hindus believe that by observing the fast and performing spiritual activities, one can attain blessings and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. If you are also wondering about the ekadashi fast benefits or ekadashi vrat benefits then mentioned below is the answer you have been looking for. The ekadashi benefits are as follows:

  1. - Spiritual gains
  2. - Get rid of any malefic planetary influence
  3. - Strengthening a weak planet
  4. - Mental peace and balance

In conclusion, it is a significant day in Hinduism that is celebrated with devotion and spirituality. It is a day to purify the body and mind, attain spiritual growth, and attain blessings from the divine.

Types Of Ekadashi

Mentioned below are the various forms and types of Ekadashi festivals. These Eakdashis are as follows:

  1. - Kamada Ekadashi
  2. - Mohini Ekadashi
  3. - Nirjala Ekadashi
  4. - Shayani Ekadashi
  5. - Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
  6. - Parsva Ekadashi
  7. - Pasankusa Ekadashi
  8. - Prabodhini Ekadashi
  9. - Mokshada Ekadashi / Vaikunta Ekadashi
  10. - Pausha Putrada Ekadashi / Vaikunta Ekadashi
  11. - Bhaimi Ekadashi / Jaya Ekadashi
  12. - Amalaki Ekadashi
  13. - Paramaa Shuddha Ekadashi

Ekadashi Dates for 2023

If you also have questions like Which days are Ekadashi? Worry not as we have got your back. Mentioned below are the Ekadashi date for the year 2023. So you can easily check the dates of the upcoming ekadashi or the next ekadashi.

  • Kamada Ekadashi - Saturday, April 1, 2023
  • Mohini Ekadashi - Monday, May 1, 2023
  • Nirjala Ekadashi - Wednesday, May 31, 2023
  • Shayani Ekadashi - Thursday, June 29, 2023
  • Shravana Putrada Ekadashi - Sunday, August 27, 2023
  • Parsva Ekadashi - Monday, September 25, 2023
  • Pasankusa Ekadashi - Wednesday, October 25, 2023
  • Prabodhini Ekadashi - Thursday, November 23, 2023
  • Mokshada Ekadashi / Vaikunta Ekadashi - Monday, January 2, 2023
  • Pausha Putrada Ekadashi / Vaikunta Ekadashi - Monday, January 2, 2023
  • Bhaimi Ekadashi / Jaya Ekadashi - Wednesday, 1 February 2023
  • Amalaki Ekadashi - Evening of Thursday, March 2, 2023 - Evening of Friday, March 3, 2023
  • Paramaa Shuddha Ekadashi - Friday, August 11, 2023

What Are the Rules of Ekadashi Fasting?

If you are planning to fast on the day of Ekadashi then there are some things that an individual, or in this case you, should keep in mind. These things include the following:

  1. - The only food items you can consume or have are fruits, vegetables and milk products.
  2. - It is advised that you do not sleep at night.
  3. - Do not get a haircut done and also do not cut your nails on this day.
  4. - Do not eat any forms of meat, fish or grain if you are observing a fast on this day.
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Frequently Asked Questions

It is known to be the 11th day of the lunar calendar in accordance with the Hindu culture. It is one of the most auspicious days of the year. Moreover, many people, not just in India, but all over the world, fast on this day in order to gain spiritual and mental peace and balance.
To know the next ekadashi or upcoming ekadashi dates scroll up and check for yourself. We have mentioned all the dates above for all the upcoming Ekadashis.
Ideally, devotees who observe a fast on this day, and do not sleep. During night time, the devotees visit temples and sing and pray the entire night. Moreover, they also listen to the kathas and tales that are being recited in the temple.
There is no specific rule about hair wash for devotees who are observing a fast on this occasion. However, many women believe in not washing their hair on the day of fasting. However, on the other hand, there are rules regarding getting a haircut or trimming your nails on Ekadashi. It is said an individual should not get a haircut or should not cut his or her nails on the particular day as it is seen as an inauspicious activity.
It is recommended that an individual should not get their haircut done on the day of Kadashi. Moreover, for the people observing a fast on the day of Ekadashi are said to not eat anything apart from fruits, vegetables, and milk products like curd.
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