The 11th day of every Lunar fortnight is known as Ekadashi, which occurs both in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) as well as the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). Usually 24 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year, with 2 occuring in a month. However, this year is a little different due to the "adhik mass" added this year in the Hindu calendar due to which we will be observing two extra Ekadashis this year, taking the total number to 26. This Ekadashi, occuring during the Shukla Paksha is called Papankusha Ekadashi and will be observed on Tuesday, October 27.
Significance
The Ekadashi fasts are observed by the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that after winning the battle of Mahabharata, King Yudhisthira wanted to know if by observing a fast in the Lunar fortnight, the human race can walk the path of moksha or liberation. To this Krishna, (who was an incarnation of Vishnu) said that by observing the Ekadashi fast, devotees can free themselves from the cycle of life and death.
Rituals
The Ekadashi fast also known as a spiritual detox fast is ideally done Nirjala (without water). However, keeping one's health in mind, one should observe the fast as per one's capability. The fast starts with sunrise, before that devotees can consume milk, fruits, cottage cheese, sweets etc. When the sun is up, devotees should take a bath and chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya Namah" for 21 times and more. Devotees should also read Vishnu Purana in the day and refrain from vices such as anger, hatred etc. In the evening, one can consume regular food, however with no grains (wheat, rice etc) as these are prohibited, along with non veg food and onion/garlic.
Timings
This month,Ekadashi Tithi begins at 9 am on October 26 and ends at 10:46 am on October 27.
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