Ekadashi is an important spiritual observance in Hindu culture that falls on the 11th day of every lunar fortnight. Observing Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the body and soul, promote spiritual growth, and bring peace and prosperity. In the year 2024, there are 24 Ekadashi dates, each with its own significance and rituals. Below is a complete list of the Ekadashi dates in 2024 along with a brief description of each.
1. Papmochani Ekadashi
– Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that observing this Ekadashi helps one get rid of sins and attain liberation.
2. Kamada Ekadashi
– Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
– Significance: Observing this Ekadashi is said to fulfill desires and bring happiness and prosperity.
3. Varuthini Ekadashi
– Date: Friday, April 12, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is considered auspicious for seeking forgiveness for past wrongdoings and purifying the soul.
4. Mohini Ekadashi
– Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that observing Mohini Ekadashi helps one attain salvation and lead a righteous life.
5. Apara Ekadashi
– Date: Sunday, May 12, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is observed for self-purification and seeking blessings for overall well-being.
6. Nirjala Ekadashi
– Date: Monday, May 27, 2024
– Significance: Known as the most significant Ekadashi, fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to provide the benefits of all other Ekadashis combined.
7. Yogini Ekadashi
– Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
– Significance: Observing this Ekadashi is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
8. Devshayani Ekadashi
– Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
– Significance: Also known as Ashadi Ekadashi, it marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar.
9. Kamika Ekadashi
– Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that observing Kamika Ekadashi is equivalent to performing austerities for a thousand years.
10. Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
– Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is observed by those seeking progeny and blessings for their children.
11. Aja Ekadashi
– Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024
– Significance: Observing Aja Ekadashi is said to cleanse sins, bestow virtues, and bring happiness and prosperity.
12. Parsva Ekadashi
– Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that observing this Ekadashi grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
13. Indira Ekadashi
– Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is observed for seeking divine blessings, peace, and prosperity.
14. Pasankusha Ekadashi
– Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
– Significance: Observing Pasankusha Ekadashi is said to remove obstacles and bring success and happiness.
15. Rama Ekadashi
– Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that observing this Ekadashi helps one attain moksha and divine blessings.
16. Devutthana Ekadashi
– Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
– Significance: Also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, it marks the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the festive season.
17. Utpanna Ekadashi
– Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins and grant spiritual upliftment.
18. Mokshada Ekadashi
– Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
– Significance: Observing Mokshada Ekadashi is said to bestow liberation and bring peace and happiness.
19. Saphala Ekadashi
– Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
– Significance: It is believed that fasting on this Ekadashi fulfills desires and brings success and prosperity.
20. Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
– Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
– Significance: This Ekadashi is observed for seeking blessings for children and their well-being.
This list provides a comprehensive guide to the Ekadashi dates in the year 2024, allowing individuals to plan their spiritual observances and rituals in advance. Observing Ekadashi is a powerful way to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and seek divine blessings for a fulfilling and prosperous life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of observing Ekadashi?
Observing Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the body and soul, promote spiritual growth, and bring peace and prosperity.
2. Can anyone observe Ekadashi?
Yes, anyone can observe Ekadashi, but pregnant women, individuals with health conditions, and children are exempt from strict fasting.
3. How do people observe Ekadashi?
People observe Ekadashi by fasting, abstaining from certain foods, chanting prayers, reading religious texts, and performing charitable acts.
4. Are there any specific rituals associated with Ekadashi?
Rituals such as bathing in holy rivers, offering prayers to deities, and meditating are commonly associated with observing Ekadashi.
5. Can one eat during Ekadashi fasting?
During Ekadashi fasting, individuals typically abstain from grains, beans, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic. Fruits, milk, nuts, and specific vegetables are allowed.
6. Is it necessary to stay awake the whole night during Ekadashi?
While some people choose to stay awake and perform prayers throughout the night of Ekadashi, it is not mandatory for all observers.
7. What should one do if they are unable to observe Ekadashi due to unavoidable circumstances?
If one is unable to observe Ekadashi due to unavoidable circumstances, they can seek forgiveness, perform charitable acts, and compensate by fasting on another auspicious day.
8. Can Ekadashi be observed by people of other faiths?
While Ekadashi is a Hindu spiritual observance, people of other faiths are welcome to participate in the fasting and rituals if they wish to do so.
9. Are there any specific prayers or mantras to recite during Ekadashi?
There are various prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other deities that individuals can recite during Ekadashi to seek blessings and spiritual progress.
10. How does observing Ekadashi benefit individuals on a spiritual level?
Observing Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, remove sins, grant virtues, bring peace, prosperity, and ultimately lead one towards liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
