Ekadashi Explained: The Fasting Days and Why They Matter

Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day, observed twice a month with fasting. Understand Smarta vs Vaishnava dates, Parana, and special cases.

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight — so it occurs twice a lunar month, once in the waxing (Shukla) and once in the waning (Krishna) paksha. It is among the most widely observed fasting days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Why it is observed

Ekadashi fasting (vrat) is believed to purify the body and mind and to bring spiritual merit. Observances range from a complete fast to abstaining only from grains and beans.

Smarta vs Vaishnava dates

Because a tithi can begin and end at any time of day, two valid observance dates can arise:

• •Smarta (householder) — follow the Ekadashi that prevails at sunrise.
• •Vaishnava — devotees may observe the following day in certain cases, to ensure the fast does not overlap the tenth tithi (Dashami).

Our Ekadashi calendar lists both dates whenever they differ.

Special cases

• •Mahadwadashi: when conditions shift the Vaishnava fast to the Dwadashi (twelfth).
• •Vriddhi (extended) and Kshaya (skipped) tithis can move the observed day.

Parana — breaking the fast

The fast is broken the next morning during Parana, a specific window after sunrise (and after the Dwadashi tithi ends, before Hari Vasara). Breaking it at the right time is considered important.

The named Ekadashis

Each of the 24 (or 26 in a leap year) Ekadashis has a name and story — Nirjala, Devshayani, Vaikuntha, Putrada and more. See every date, both observance days and the Parana window for any year on the Ekadashi tool.