Ekadashi is one of the most revered fasting days in the Hindu calendar, occurring twice a month on the 11th day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon.
Observed by millions of devotees worldwide, Ekadashi is a day dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu and seeking blessings for spiritual growth, mental clarity, and purification of the soul.
Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to purify both mind and body, help in the control of senses, and aid in the release of negative karma. Each Ekadashi has its own unique significance and rituals, making it a powerful practice for devotees on the spiritual path.
This blog provides a comprehensive calendar of Ekadashi dates for 2025, including descriptions of each Ekadashi's significance, the associated legends, and the rituals for observing these holy days.
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi, meaning the "eleventh day," is observed every 11th lunar day during the two phases of the moon each month. There are thus 24 Ekadashis in a year, with an additional Ekadashi occurring in some years due to the lunar leap year.
According to Hindu belief, observing Ekadashi with devotion helps one cleanse their mind and body, strengthen their spiritual resolve, and ultimately seek moksha (liberation) by receiving Lord Vishnu’s divine blessings.
Significance of Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi is revered as a day of purification and discipline. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to offer numerous benefits:
1. Spiritual Growth: Observing Ekadashi helps in fostering a deep connection with the Divine. Through fasting and prayer, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in Hindu cosmology.
2. Physical and Mental Detox: Ekadashi fasting also serves as a physical detox, aiding in digestive rest. Abstaining from grains, legumes, and sometimes even water can lead to physical purification and mental clarity.
3. Purification of Karma: Ekadashi is considered a day to atone for past sins, relieve oneself from accumulated karma, and move closer to spiritual liberation.
4. Self-Control and Discipline: By abstaining from certain foods and engaging in meditation and prayer, devotees practice self-control and develop discipline, which can be valuable in all areas of life.
Types of Ekadashi
Each Ekadashi has a unique significance and name. The two main types of Ekadashis are:
Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (Waxing Moon Phase): These are observed during the bright fortnight and are associated with positive spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (Waning Moon Phase): Observed during the dark fortnight, these Ekadashis focus on purifying the mind and seeking relief from negative karma.
Some of the most famous Ekadashis include Nirjala Ekadashi, Mokshada Ekadashi, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi, each associated with special stories and divine significance.
Ekadashi Calendar 2025: Dates and Timings
Here is the complete list of Ekadashi dates for 2025, including the day of observance and their corresponding Paksha (moon phase):
| Event Date | Tithi | Event Name | Info | Begins Time | Begins Daye | Ends Time | Ends Date |
| January 10, 2025, Friday | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Pausha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 12:22 PM | Jan 09 | Ends - 10:19 AM | Jan 10 |
| January 25, 2025, Saturday | Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Magha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 07:25 PM | Jan 24 | Ends - 08:31 PM | Jan 25 |
| February 8, 2025, Saturday | Jaya Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Magha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 09:26 PM | Feb 07 | Ends - 08:15 PM | Feb 08 |
| February 24, 2025, Monday | Vijaya Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Phalguna, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 01:55 PM | Feb 23 | Ends - 01:44 PM | Feb 24 |
| March 10, 2025, Monday | Amalaki Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Phalguna, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 07:45 AM | Mar 09 | Ends - 07:44 AM | Mar 10 |
| March 25, 2025, Tuesday | Papmochani Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Chaitra, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 05:05 AM | Mar 25 | Ends - 03:45 AM | Mar 26 |
| March 26, 2025, Wednesday | Vaishnava Papmochani Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Chaitra, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 05:05 AM | Mar 25 | Ends - 03:45 AM | Mar 26 |
| April 8, 2025, Tuesday | Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Chaitra, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 08:00 PM | Apr 07 | Ends - 09:12 PM | Apr 08 |
| April 24, 2025, Thursday | Varuthini Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Vaishakha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 04:43 PM | Apr 23 | Ends - 02:32 PM | Apr 24 |
| May 8, 2025, Thursday | Mohini Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Vaishakha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 10:19 AM | May 07 | Ends - 12:29 PM | May 08 |
| May 23, 2025, Friday | Apara Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Jyeshtha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 01:12 AM | May 23 | Ends - 10:29 PM | May 23 |
| June 6, 2025, Friday | Nirjala Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Jyeshtha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 02:15 AM | Jun 06 | Ends - 04:47 AM | Jun 07 |
| June 7, 2025, Saturday | Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Jyeshtha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 02:15 AM | Jun 06 | Ends - 04:47 AM | Jun 07 |
| June 21, 2025, Saturday | Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Ashadha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 07:18 AM | Jun 21 | Ends - 04:27 AM | Jun 22 |
| June 22, 2025, Sunday | Gauna Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Ashadha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 07:18 AM | Jun 21 | Ends - 04:27 AM | Jun 22 |
| July 6, 2025, Sunday | Devshayani Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Ashadha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 06:58 PM | Jul 05 | Ends - 09:14 PM | Jul 06 |
| July 21, 2025, Monday | Kamika Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Shravana, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 12:12 PM | Jul 20 | Ends - 09:38 AM | Jul 21 |
| August 5, 2025, Tuesday | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Shravana, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 11:41 AM | Aug 04 | Ends - 01:12 PM | Aug 05 |
| August 19, 2025, Tuesday | Aja Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Bhadrapada, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 05:22 PM | Aug 18 | Ends - 03:32 PM | Aug 19 |
| September 3, 2025, Wednesday | Parsva Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Bhadrapada, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 03:53 AM | Sep 03 | Ends - 04:21 AM | Sep 04 |
| September 17, 2025, Wednesday | Indira Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 12:21 AM | Sep 17 | Ends - 11:39 PM | Sep 17 |
| October 3, 2025, Friday | Papankusha Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Ashwina, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 07:10 PM | Oct 02 | Ends - 06:32 PM | Oct 03 |
| October 17, 2025, Friday | Rama Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Kartika, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 10:35 AM | Oct 16 | Ends - 11:12 AM | Oct 17 |
| November 1, 2025, Saturday | Devutthana Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Kartika, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 09:11 AM | Nov 01 | Ends - 07:31 AM | Nov 02 |
| November 2, 2025, Sunday | Gauna Devutthana Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Kartika, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 09:11 AM | Nov 01 | Ends - 07:31 AM | Nov 02 |
| November 15, 2025, Saturday | Utpanna Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Margashirsha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 12:49 AM | Nov 15 | Ends - 02:37 AM | Nov 16 |
| December 1, 2025, Monday | Mokshada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Margashirsha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 09:29 PM | Nov 30 | Ends - 07:01 PM | Dec 01 |
| December 15, 2025, Monday | Saphala Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Pausha, Krishna Ekadashi | Begins - 06:49 PM | Dec 14 | Ends - 09:19 PM | Dec 15 |
| December 30, 2025, Tuesday | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Pausha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 07:50 AM | Dec 30 | Ends - 05:00 AM | Dec 31 |
| December 31, 2025, Wednesday | Gauna Pausha Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Pausha, Shukla Ekadashi | Begins - 07:50 AM | Dec 30 | Ends - 05:00 AM | Dec 31 |
Note: The dates and times may vary slightly based on the location and local Panchang (Hindu calendar).
The Legends Behind Key Ekadashi Days
Every Ekadashi has a story, often involving Lord Vishnu or one of his incarnations, emphasizing the importance of devotion, discipline, and adherence to dharma. Here are the stories behind some of the most prominent Ekadashis:
1. Nirjala Ekadashi: Known as the most austere and challenging Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi involves a strict fast without food and water. It is believed that observing this vrat absolves devotees from sins and bestows the benefits of all Ekadashis of the year.
2. Mokshada Ekadashi: Observed in December, Mokshada Ekadashi is celebrated as a day to seek liberation for oneself and for ancestors. The story goes that Lord Krishna recommended this Ekadashi to King Vaikhanasa for freeing his father’s soul from suffering in the afterlife.
3. Vaikuntha Ekadashi: This special Ekadashi, typically observed in the month of Margashirsha (December-January), is dedicated to entering the spiritual world of Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode. It is believed that observing this vrat opens the "Vaikuntha Dwar" (gate to heaven) for devotees, ensuring liberation.
Rituals and Observances on Ekadashi
Observing Ekadashi involves adhering to specific rituals and practices that honor Lord Vishnu, instilling devotion and discipline. Here’s a guide to observing Ekadashi:
1. Fasting: Fasting on Ekadashi is considered essential. There are different ways to fast on Ekadashi: Nirjala (without water), Sajala (with water), and Phalahar (fruits and milk only). Devotees abstain from grains, beans, and heavy foods, believing these disrupt the body’s purification process.
2. Morning Prayer and Bathing: Observers begin the day by bathing, offering prayers, and invoking Lord Vishnu’s blessings. A clean and quiet mind is emphasized to maintain focus on spiritual pursuits.
3. Puja and Offerings: The puja typically includes offering tulsi (basil leaves), flowers, incense, and lamps to Lord Vishnu. Devotees chant mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) or the Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya mantra.
4. Listening to Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Each Ekadashi is associated with a legend that emphasizes its power and significance. Devotees listen to these kathas as part of their observance.
5. Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs and participating in kirtans (devotional music sessions) help devotees stay connected to the divine vibrations of the day.
6. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day after the sunrise with a light meal, often consisting of fruits and milk. Breaking the fast with simple food maintains the purity and detoxification achieved during the vrat.
Benefits of Observing Ekadashi
Observing Ekadashi brings numerous spiritual, physical, and psychological benefits:
1. Spiritual Cleansing: By fasting and engaging in prayer, devotees cleanse themselves spiritually, allowing for greater focus on divine contemplation.
2. Emotional Balance: Fasting on Ekadashi promotes emotional resilience and self-control, helping devotees manage stress and negative emotions.
3. Physical Health: Regular fasting on Ekadashi can improve metabolism, reduce toxin levels, and support healthy digestion. By avoiding grains, the body receives a rest from heavier foods, which can aid in detoxification.
4. Divine Protection and Blessings: By pleasing Lord Vishnu, devotees believe they receive divine protection and support in overcoming obstacles.
5. Good Karma: Fasting on Ekadashi is seen as an act of devotion and virtue, attracting positive karma and spiritual merit.
Conclusion
The Ekadashi vrat in 2025 provides devotees with a powerful way to connect with the divine, cleanse both mind and body, and seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
With each Ekadashi having its unique significance and spiritual message, observing this sacred day fosters personal growth, aids in emotional and spiritual purification, and brings divine grace into one’s life.
By following the 2025 Ekadashi calendar, devotees can harness the power of each vrat, advancing on the path of devotion and enlightenment.