Ekadashi: Meaning, How to Fast, and the 24 Ekadashis
Two Ekadashis fall every month, on the eleventh lunar day of the waxing and the waning fortnight. The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, and 26 in a year with an extra month (Adhik Maas).
How to observe the fast
- Eat simple, sattvic food the day before (Dashami).
- On Ekadashi avoid grains and rice. Depending on your ability, fast without water, with fruit only, or with one meal.
- Worship Lord Vishnu, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or 'Om Jai Jagdish Hare', and read that Ekadashi's katha.
- Break the fast (parana) the next day, Dwadashi, after sunrise. Check the exact parana time in your local panchang.
- If you are unwell, pregnant or elderly, keep a lighter fast and look after your health.
The 24 Ekadashis of the year
- Utpanna Ekadashi
- Mokshada Ekadashi
- Saphala Ekadashi
- Paush Putrada Ekadashi
- Shattila Ekadashi
- Jaya Ekadashi
- Vijaya Ekadashi
- Amalaki Ekadashi
- Papmochani Ekadashi
- Kamada Ekadashi
- Varuthini Ekadashi
- Mohini Ekadashi
- Apara Ekadashi
- Nirjala Ekadashi
- Yogini Ekadashi
- Devshayani Ekadashi
- Kamika Ekadashi
- Shravan Putrada Ekadashi
- Aja Ekadashi
- Parivartini Ekadashi
- Indira Ekadashi
- Papankusha Ekadashi
- Rama Ekadashi
- Devuthani Ekadashi
Order follows the North Indian calendar. The katha for each Ekadashi is coming soon.