Ekadashi is one of the most important and auspicious fast days in the Hindu calendar. Observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu, the ekadashi fast is believed to bestow great spiritual and material benefits. Ekadashi occurs twice every month. Here is your complete guide to all the ekadashi vrat dates in 2024. Also, learn the rituals for attaining moksha.

Ekadashi holds a special significance in Hinduism, as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the primary deities in Hinduism. The fast is observed on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight, both in the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha). By fasting on these days and worshipping Lord Vishnu, devotees believe that they can attain ‘moksha’ or salvation. The upcoming year 2024 has 24 ekadashi dates, with 2 ekadashis each month.

This article will give you the complete 2024 ekadashi calendar. It will also share the significance and story behind each ekadashi. Additionally, it will provide the fasting rituals to be followed for reaping maximum benefits from the vrat.

 

What is Ekadashi and its Religious Significance

Ekadashi occurs on the eleventh day (tithi) of each lunar phase. These phases are Shukla Paksha (waxing phase / bright fortnight). They are also Krishna Paksha (waning phase / dark fortnight).

Each month has two Ekadashi – one in Shukla Paksha and one in Krishna Paksha. This tithi is highly auspicious as it honors Lord Vishnu.

Devotees of Lord Vishnu keep a strict fast on these holy days and perform puja at home to please Him. The fasting ritual is known as ‘Ekadashi Vrata’ or ‘Upavasa’.

Different Ekadashis hold special significance. They are named after the particular ritual associated with each one. For example, Nirjala Vrat  involves total refraining from consuming food and beverages. At the same time, Devshayani Upavas signifies the start of Lord Vishnu’s four-month yogic meditation.

By fasting on these days, devotees believe they can attain ‘Vaikunta Dwar’ or the gateway to Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode after death.

Complete List of Ekadashi 2024 dates

2024 there will be 24 Ekadashi fasting days, with 2 Ekadashi falling monthly per the Hindu Lunar calendar.

Here are all the ekadashi  2024 dates:

January 2024

• Saphala  – January 07, 2024 (Sunday)
• Putrada  – January 21, 2024 (Sunday)

February 2024

• Shattila  – February 06. 2024 (Tuesday)
• Jaya – February 20, 2024 (Tuesday)

March 2024

• Vijaya – March 06, 2024 (Wednesday)
• Amalaki  – March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)

April 2024

• Papmochani  – April 05, 2024 (Friday)
• Kamada – April 26, 2024 (Friday)

May 2024

• Vaishnava – May 04, 2024 (Saturday)
• Mohini  – May 19, 2024 (Sunday)

June 2024

• Apara – June 02, 2024 (Sunday)
• Nirjala – June 17, 2024 (Monday)

July 2024

• Yogini – July 02, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Desvshayani  – July 17, 2024 (Wednesday)

August 2024

• Shravana Putrada  – August 16, 2024 (Friday)
• Aja – August 29, 2024 (Thursday)

September 2024

• Parsva – September 14, 2024 (Saturday)
• Indira – September 28, 2024 (Saturday)

October 2024

• Pasankusa  – October 14, 2024 (Monday)
• Rama  – October 27, 2024 (Sunday)

November 2024

• Devutthana – November 12, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Utpanna – November 26, 2024 (Tuesday)

December 2024

• Mokshada – December 11, 2024 (Wednesday)
• Saphala  – December 26, 2024 (Thursday)

So in total, there are 24 ekadashi fasting days in the year 2024, with 2 each month. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on the important ekadashi vrat dates.

The Significance of Major Ekadashi Fasting Days

Every Ekaadashi holds great spiritual significance. Some are even more important, linked to special occasions related to Lord Vishnu.

Here are some of the most essential Ekaadashi observances in 2024:

• Vaikuntha Ekaadashi – This falls in December-January and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Vaikuntha dwara (gateway to heaven) is believed to open on this day, and observing a fast on this Ekadashi leads to MokshaMoksha.
• Mokshada Ekaadashi – Falling in December, this Ekadashi signifies a release from death and rebirth. Special puja is done for Lord Vishnu on this day.
• Nirjala Ekaadashi – In June, devotees observe a strict fast without water or food on Nirjala Ekadashi. It is believed to wash away grave sins.
• Devshayani Ekaadashi – Marking Lord Vishnu’s four-month yoga slumber, Devshayani Ekadashi begins this period in July. The Lord is worshipped before He rests.
• Jaya Ekadashi – This Ekaadashi is celebrated in February-March. It commemorates Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Mur or Murasura. Special abhishekam is performed for Lord Vishnu.
• Papmochani Ekaadashi – Falling in March-April, devotees believe observing this fast frees them from sins. On this auspicious day, we offer our devotion to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

A devotee can perform the vrat and puja more devotionally if he or she understands the significance of each day.

Fasting Rules and Rituals

Here are the essential rituals to be followed while observing these Vrats:

• Wake up early, preferably before sunrise, to begin the fast. Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and meditate on Lord Vishnu.
• Resolve to fast for the whole day and abstain from rice, wheat, lentils, and sure beans.
• Most people who observe religious fasts usually have fruits, drink milk, and consume dishes made from ingredients like sabudana, singhara, or kuttu.
• Chant the ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ mantra and read the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram. Ekaadashi fasting kathas may also be read to pass the time.
• Visit the temple in the morning or evening to worship Lord Vishnu. Otherwise, set up an altar at home. Decorate it with flowers, rangoli, and offer bhog.
• Light an oil lamp and incense sticks near Lord Vishnu’s image or idol. Offer Gandham, Pushpam, Dhoopam, Deepam, and Naivaidyam with devotion.
• In the evening, perform a special Tulsi puja and offer water to a Tulsi plant while chanting the Vishnu mantra.
• End the fast only after sunrise the next day once the Dwadashi tithi begins. Consume the prasad offered to Lord Vishnu.

Benefits of Observing the Ekadashi Vrat

Here are some of the main advantages of observing fasts on Ekaadashi:

• It helps attain MokshaMoksha or salvation from death and rebirth. The soul attains freedom from karma.
• It brings one closer to Lord Vishnu by fostering devotion. One gives up material pleasures for Him.
• Ekaadashi fasts wash away sins, relieve one from adverse karmic effects, and purify the mind.
• Grants health, wealth, and prosperity—Fulfills desires of devotees who fast with sincerity.
• To have a peaceful, happy household, obtain the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. This will bring harmony among family members.
• Ekaadashi fasting is spiritually rejuvenating. It gives mental strength, focus, and self-control over mind and body.

By observing the fast regularly with devotion, you can gain multiple benefits. These range from attaining Moksha to fulfilling your worldly desires!