Vrat and Fasting GuideEkadashi
What Ekadashi is, the eleventh lunar day kept as a fast for Vishnu twice a month, how many there are in a year, what is eaten, and how the fast is broken the next day (parana).
Ekadashi is the eleventh day (tithi) of each fortnight of the lunar month, once in the bright half and once in the dark half, so there are about 24 in a year (26 in a year with an extra month). It is dedicated to Vishnu, and is the most widely kept vrat among Vaishnavas.
How it is kept
Many avoid grains, pulses and certain vegetables for the day and eat only fruit, milk, nuts and vrat foods; stricter observers fast completely. The day is spent in prayer, the reading of Vishnu's names or stories and sometimes staying up at night.
Breaking the fast
The fast is broken the next morning, on Dvadashi (the twelfth day), after sunrise, during a window called the parana. The window differs from year to year and from place to place, and it depends on the panchang for your city; ask a priest or use a trusted panchang. We do not give the times here because they are calculated for each location.
Special Ekadashis
Each of the 24 has a name and a legend. Nirjala Ekadashi (in the hot season, May or June) is kept without water, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December or January) is very important in South Indian temples.
Read next
Questions people ask
How many Ekadashis are there in a year?
About 24: two in each lunar month.
Can I drink water on Ekadashi?
Yes, except in the strict Nirjala fast. Water, milk and fruit are accepted by most.
This page describes common practice. Families differ, and the tradition itself says that illness and age are good reasons to reduce a fast. It is not medical advice: please talk to a doctor if you have a health condition. Times for fasts depend on the panchang for your city.