| Month | Date | Day | Auspicious day |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | 7 | Sunday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| January 2024 | 21 | Sunday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| February 2024 | 6 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| February 2024 | 20 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| March 2024 | 6 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| March 2024 | 20 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| March 2024 | 21 | Thursday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| April 2024 | 5 | Friday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| April 2024 | 19 | Friday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| May 2024 | 4 | Saturday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| May 2024 | 19 | Sunday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| June 2024 | 2 | Sunday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| June 2024 | 18 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| July 2024 | 2 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| July 2024 | 17 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| July 2024 | 31 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| August 2024 | 15 | Thursday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| August 2024 | 16 | Friday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| August 2024 | 29 | Thursday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| August 2024 | 30 | Friday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| September 2024 | 14 | Saturday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| September 2024 | 28 | Saturday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| October 2024 | 13 | Sunday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| October 2024 | 14 | Monday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| October 2024 | 28 | Monday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| November 2024 | 12 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| November 2024 | 26 | Tuesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| November 2024 | 27 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| December 2024 | 11 | Wednesday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
| December 2024 | 26 | Thursday | Ekadasi (ஏகாதசி) |
Ekadeshi is the word derived from sanskrit. In sanskrit, 'Ekadeshi' means eleven. According to Hindu lunar calendar, eleventh day in each of the two lunar phase is called 'Ekadeshi'. Ekadeshi which comes in the bright phase (after new moon day or amavasai) of lunar phase is 'Sukhla Paksha Ekadeshi'. Ekadeshi which comes in the dark phase (after full moon day or pournami) of lunar phase is 'Krishna Paksha Ekadeshi'.
Hindu devotees especially vaishnavas believe ekadeshi is very auspicious day. Some devotees undergo fasting on this day even without drinking water. Some devotees who cannot be able undergo fasting for the whole day can eat once a day. Devotee who fast on this day will get rid of all sins. People who undergo fasting, perform poojas and other rituals will attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Though ekadeshi comes in every lunar month, some ekadeshi is considered to be very important. To name a few, ekadeshi that comes in the month of (of Hindu calendar) Aavani, Ippasi and Margazhi.
The ekadeshi that comes in the Krishna Paksha phase of Aavani (August/September) is called as 'Kamika Ekadeshi'. People worship
Lord Vishnu on this day by putting garland made of tulsi is religiously significant.
The ekadeshi that comes in the sukhla paksha phase of Ippasi month (October/November) is called as 'Papankusha Ekadeshi'.
The ekadeshi that comes in the sukhla paksha phase of margazhi month (December/January) is called as 'Vaikuntha Ekadeshi'. People undergo fasting, chanting hymns and do prayers. The northern gate which is called is 'Paramapada Vasal' (which is believed to be vaikuntha vasal or vaikuntha gate) will be opened on this day. This gate is opened only once in a year. Vaishnavas believe that one who goes through this gate, will go to vaikundam. People worship Lord Vishnu, undergo fast and chanting prayers on this day will be relieved from all sins.
Ekadeshi is a significant day of fasting and spiritual observance in Hinduism. It occurs on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar, which means there are two Ekadeshis every month. The Ekadeshi day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and observing fast on this day is believed to bring spiritual purification and blessings.
Ekadeshi is considered highly auspicious and is believed to be a day when the divine energy of Lord Vishnu is especially present. It is said that observing a fast on Ekadeshi helps in the atonement of sins, spiritual growth, and seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu for overall well-being.
Devotees observe a strict fast on Ekadeshi, refraining from consuming grains, rice, and cereals. Some people opt for a complete waterless fast, while others may consume fruits, milk, nuts, and specific Ekadeshi-friendly foods. The fast typically lasts for the entire day and is broken on the next day, Dwadasi, during the specified time.
Breaking the Ekadeshi fast at the right time, known as "Parana," is considered crucial. Devotees often break their fast during a specific time window called the "Hari Vasara." This is usually done during the first one-third of the Dwadasi Tithi (12th day) after sunrise.
Ekadeshi dates vary each month as per the lunar calendar. Some of the well-known Ekadeshis are the Mohini Ekadeshi, Nirjala Ekadeshi, and Devshayani Ekadeshi. Devotees eagerly await these dates to observe fasting and seek divine blessings.
On Ekadeshi, devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, chant prayers, read sacred texts, and engage in acts of charity and kindness. The day is meant for heightened spirituality and devotion.
Ekadasi is a special day that provides an opportunity for self-purification and spiritual progress. It is observed by millions of Hindus as a means to connect with the divine and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.