Ekadashi fast is a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Utpanna Ekadashi on 15th November 2025 is considered to be the most auspicious day to start the fast. By fasting, worshiping and donating on this day, sins are destroyed, happiness and prosperity increases and Lord Vishnu…
Ekadashi Fast 2025: Ekadashi fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu has special significance in Hindu scriptures. Ekadashi is celebrated twice in a month – one on the Ekadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha and the other on the Ekadashi tithi of Shukla Paksha. Each Ekadashi has its own name and significance, and its observance yields different results. It is considered important to determine the auspicious day to start Ekadashi fast for the first time. Let us tell you when to start Ekadashi fast for the first time and how many fasts to keep.
When should one start Ekadashi fast? (When to start Ekadashi fast)
Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month, also known as Utpanna Ekadashi, is the most auspicious and best time to start Ekadashi fast for the first time. According to mythological beliefs, Ekadashi Mata was born on the day of Utpanna Ekadashi. Additionally, you can start the fast from any Ekadashi, but it is most auspicious to start from Utpanna Ekadashi.
When is Utpanna Ekadashi 2025? (When is Utpanna Ekadashi)
According to the Panchang, Utpanna Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month is falling on 15 November 2025. Ekadashi fasting date will be from 12:49 am on 15th November to 2:37 am on 16th November. Therefore Ekadashi fast can be started from 15th November. This day is very auspicious.
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Who should observe Ekadashi fast?
Anyone can observe Ekadashi fast. This fast can be observed by anyone, married or unmarried, child, widow, man and woman, to please Lord Vishnu.
How many Ekadashi fasts should be observed?
Ekadashi fasts occur 24 to 26 times in a year, out of which there are two Ekadashis in a month. According to religious beliefs, Ekadashi fast should be observed for at least 5 to 11 years. If you have the capacity, you can keep the fast throughout your life. However, if you are not able to do so, you should observe the fast for at least a year and then perform Udyapan (consecration ceremony).
Benefits of Ekadashi fast
According to religious beliefs, Ekadashi fast destroys sins, grants salvation and brings happiness and prosperity to the house. It is believed that observing Ekadashi fast brings prosperity, blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, increase in wealth and fulfillment of all wishes.
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How to start Ekadashi fast for the first time?
- To start Ekadashi fast for the first time, you can observe the following rituals
- Dashami evening: Eat Satvik food from the evening of Dashami and do not eat at night.
- Purification: Wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes
- Fast resolution: Take water and flowers in hand and say, “O Lord, by your grace I am taking a resolution to observe Ekadashi fast. Give me the strength to complete this fast.
- Resolution: Decide whether you will observe fast on both Ekadashis of the month or just one.
- Puja: Light a lamp in the temple, anoint Lord Vishnu with Ganga water and offer him flowers and basil leaves.
- What to eat: During the fast, fruits, milk, curd, buttermilk, sago or things made from buckwheat flour can be consumed.
- What not to eat: Do not consume onion, garlic, grains and pulses during Ekadashi fast.
- Satvik diet: Use Satvik food items including Tulsi in Prasad.
- Rule: To avoid the death of micro-organisms, do not sweep the house during Ekadashi fast.
- Don’t:- Do not cut your hair or nails during Ekadashi fast.
- Parana:- Give food and donations to a needy person on Dwadashi Tithi.
- Charity:- After feeding a Brahmin or a needy person, eat the food yourself and break the fast.
- Basil leaves:- You can break the fast by putting Ganga water and basil leaves in your mouth.
- Keep in mind: – The first bite of food should be given to cow, animal, bird or family members.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been taken from religious texts, scholars and astrologers. We are just a medium to deliver this information to you. Users should consider this information as information only.