Ekadashi fasting: the rules, parana and two dates
Ekadashi comes twice a month. Why people fast, what is usually avoided, when the fast is broken, and why you sometimes see two different days.
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What is Ekadashi
Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (tithi) of each lunar fortnight, and it is observed twice a month in the Vaishnava tradition. (Source: Wikipedia, Ekadashi)
Why people fast
Wikipedia says the primary purpose of fasting on Ekadashi is to gain control over the mind and bodily senses. Devotees also see it as a way to honour Vishnu, by fasting fully or just symbolically. (Source: Wikipedia, Ekadashi)
What is commonly avoided
In the naktabhoji form, the meal should not have grains such as rice, wheat or millets, or legumes such as dals and beans. Strict fasts go further and exclude all food and water. (Source: Wikipedia, Ekadashi)
Drik Panchang likewise states that eating all types of grains and cereals is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting. (Source: Drik Panchang, Ekadashi dates for Smartas (2027, Kolkata))
💡 If you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medicines, check with a doctor before fasting. If you feel unwell, stop.
Parana: breaking the fast
The fast ends the next day, Dwadashi, and devotees break it only after sunrise. This is called parana. (Source: Wikipedia, Ekadashi)
Drik Panchang says to break the fast on the next day only after sunrise, and where Pradosh falls on the next day it suggests a symbolic parana with only water. (Source: Drik Panchang, Ekadashi dates for Smartas (2027, Kolkata))
Smarta and Vaishnava dates
This Drik Panchang page lists Ekadashi days for Smartas. Vaishnavas have a separate list, and their fasting day might fall one day after the Smarta day. On why, the page only says that in Panchang a day starts and ends with sunrise; it gives no fuller explanation. (Source: Drik Panchang, Ekadashi dates for Smartas (2027, Kolkata))
💡 Ask your family or guru whether you follow the Smarta or Vaishnava tradition and pick the date accordingly. Our Ekadashi 2027 page lists every date.
Questions
- What is Ekadashi?
- The eleventh lunar day of each lunar fortnight, twice a month.
- Why do people fast on Ekadashi?
- To gain control over the mind and senses, and as a way to honour Vishnu.
- What can't you eat on Ekadashi?
- Sources say all grains such as rice and wheat are avoided, and in some forms legumes like dals and beans too. Check your own tradition's rules.
- When do you break the Ekadashi fast?
- On the next day, Dwadashi, after sunrise.
- Are Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi on different days?
- Sometimes. The Vaishnava fasting day might be one day after the Smarta day.