Ekadashi vrat: what it is, why and how
A plain introduction to Ekadashi, which comes twice a month, the usual fasting customs and who should be careful.
Updated 25 Oct 2026
Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of a lunar fortnight. It comes twice a month, once in the bright half and once in the dark half. Vaishnavas keep it for Vishnu and Krishna.
The common rule is to avoid rice, dal and other grains. Some eat fruit, milk, potato or sabudana; others keep a complete waterless fast. The fast is broken the next morning within a stated time, which is called parana.
Who should be careful
If you are unwell, pregnant, elderly, diabetic or on regular medicine, do not begin a hard fast on your own. Ask your doctor. Devotion is not meant to hurt the body.
Many families break the fast by taking prasad first.
