What should be done during Ekadashi?

Wake before sunrise and take a bath before starting the fast, Chant the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the day, Read or listen to Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Katha, Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu — they are especially sacred today, Keep a night vigil (jagaran) and spend the night in prayer or kirtan, Donate food, clothing, or money to the needy on this day, Break the fast (parana) on Dwadashi within the prescribed time window

What should be avoided during Ekadashi?

Do not eat grains (rice, wheat, dal, bread) or beans of any kind, Do not consume onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food, Do not sleep during the daytime on Ekadashi, Do not break the fast before the parana time on Dwadashi — breaking too early or too late invalidates the vrat, Do not cut hair or nails on this day, Do not speak harsh words or engage in gossip, Do not touch or eat Tulsi leaves that have been plucked on Ekadashi itself

VratEKADASHI

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Ekadashi

“The Day of Spiritual Fasting and Devotion”

Significance

Ekadashi occurs on the eleventh day of both the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) phases of the moon. It is highly auspicious for fasting and purifying the body and mind. Observing Ekadashi helps cleanse karma and deepens spiritual connection.

How to Observe

Avoid grains and beans. Observe a fast (either waterless, fruit-based, or light sattvic food). Increase chanting (Japa) and meditation. Give in charity if possible.

Sacred Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Fasting Guide

💧 Nirjala — No food or water Break fast: Next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise within the parana window

✓Wake before sunrise and take a bath before starting the fast
✓Chant the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the day
✓Read or listen to Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Katha
✓Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu — they are especially sacred today
✓Keep a night vigil (jagaran) and spend the night in prayer or kirtan
✓Donate food, clothing, or money to the needy on this day
✓Break the fast (parana) on Dwadashi within the prescribed time window

Avoid

✕Do not eat grains (rice, wheat, dal, bread) or beans of any kind
✕Do not consume onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food
✕Do not sleep during the daytime on Ekadashi
✕Do not break the fast before the parana time on Dwadashi — breaking too early or too late invalidates the vrat
✕Do not cut hair or nails on this day
✕Do not speak harsh words or engage in gossip
✕Do not touch or eat Tulsi leaves that have been plucked on Ekadashi itself

What you'll need

Tulsi leaves (essential — do not substitute)Yellow flowers (especially marigold)Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)Incense sticks and camphorSesame oil lamp or ghee lampYellow cloth for the deityFruits (banana, coconut, mango)Chandan (sandalwood paste)

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New to this practice?

Vratas are intentional fasting days tied to the Hindu lunar calendar. They are not about deprivation — they're about clearing space: in your body, your mind, your week. Most vratas follow a rhythm (every 11 days, every full moon) so the practice becomes second nature over time.

You don't need to be Hindu to observe. Millions of global seekers use these lunar rhythms to reset, meditate more deeply, and connect with a tradition older than most religions.

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