Indira Ekadashi Vrat 2024: Date, Time, and Significance

Indira Ekadashi

Indira Ekadashi Vrat, an auspicious occasion in the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed to seek blessings for the peace and liberation of departed ancestors. This year it will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Indira Ekadashi Vrat 2024: Date and Time

Indira Ekadashi Vrat 2024: Rituals

• Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, pulses, and certain foods, focusing on fruits and milk.
• Prayer and Chanting: Engaging in prayers, chanting Vishnu’s names, and reading scriptures related to Lord Vishnu helps in connecting with the divine.
• Offering to Ancestors: Rituals such as Tarpan may be performed to honor and pray for departed souls, ensuring they are at peace.

Indira Ekadashi holds special importance as it falls during the Pitru Paksha period, a time when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. Observing this vrat is believed to help the souls of the deceased attain Moksha (liberation) and find peace in the afterlife. Devotees perform rituals, fast, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings not only for themselves but also for the souls of their departed family members.

This day serves as a reminder to express gratitude for the legacy left by ancestors and to fulfill any spiritual obligations towards them. The act of fasting and devotion during this time is thought to strengthen the bond between the living and the deceased, ensuring that the ancestors remain happy and blessed.

Timing Guidelines for Parana

• Hari Vasara: It is crucial to wait for Hari Vasara, the first quarter of the Dwadashi Tithi, to end before breaking the fast.
• Preferred Time: The most auspicious time to break the fast is during Pratahkal (early morning).
• Avoiding Madhyahna: Devotees are advised to avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna (midday). If one cannot break the fast during Pratahkal, it can be done after Madhyahna.

For some devotees, fasting on two consecutive Ekadashi days is recommended. However, for those following the Smartha tradition, it is suggested to observe the fast only on the first day. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi, is often recommended for Sanyasis, widows, and those seeking Moksha. For staunch devotees, fasting on both days signifies deep devotion and a yearning for the love and affection of Lord Vishnu.