October brings two important Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Devotees across India are preparing to celebrate two significant and important Ekadashi fasts in October 2025, namely Papankusha Ekadashi and Rama Ekadashi. These sacred days are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and are observed with fasting, prayers, charity, and devotion and are deemed by devotees to be very spiritually purifying and beneficial.
Dates and Parana (fast-breaking) details
Papankusha Ekadashi will be celebrated on 3 October 2025, and devotees will break their fast on the following morning, 4 October 2025, during the parana period between 06:16 am and 08:37 am IST in most parts of North India. Later in the same month, Rama Ekadashi will be celebrated on 17 October 2025, and the fast will be broken on 18 October during the same parana period between 06:24 am and 08:41 am IST.
These timings are based on the tithi and sunrise calculations for much of the country, but because sunrise times differ depending on location, regional panchangs or local temples may list slightly different muhurats. Some calendars even mention alternate dates for Rama Ekadashi, but the widely accepted observance across India remains October 17.
Puja rituals and fasting details
On both Ekadashi days, devotees rise early in the morning before sunrise, take a ritual bath, and prepare a clean and sacred space for worship. Fruits, flowers, incense, lamps, other rich food, and milk are offered each day. A Tulsi plant is often worshipped alongside Vishnu, and food is first offered as prasada.
Fasting is central to Ekadashi. Many devotees take a complete fast with only water, while other devotees will then fast as Nrijala (without water) fasting, or also a partial fast, with fruits and milk. The consuming of grains, beans, onions, and garlic is prohibited during the fast. The fast is broken on Dwadashi morning during the designated parana muhurat, typically with water, followed by a simple sattvic meal.
Charitable activities also play a significant part. Devotees frequently donate food, clothing, or money to the less fortunate as part of their vrata, since giving is viewed as part of the observance.
Spiritual Meaning and History
Ekadashi is considered a day of spiritual discipline. Falling on the eleventh lunar day of each fortnight, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and includes the belief that it gives the observer, or shraddhavan, the ability to purify the systems, eliminate sins, and control the worldly passions that cause suffering. The already existing idea of vrat, or “austerity,” is felt to not only be a practice of self-control but also an opportunity for further devotion and to cash in on God’s blessings.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Secure Smartphones in 2025: Protect Your Data and Privacy
Among the observances in October, Papankusha Ekadashi is regarded as significant. Observed during the bright half of the lunation of the month of Ashvina, it is said to release devotees from the weight of their previous sins and yield peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength if performed sincerely. Later, just before Diwali, is Rama Ekadashi during the dark household part of Kartik. Similar to Papankusa, this vrata is believed to protect the family unit, assist devotees from suffering, and support a sense of well-being. Ancient legends describe how kings and devout followers who observed Rama Ekadashi with faith were blessed with prosperity and relief from difficulties, underscoring its deep-rooted spiritual significance.
Practical tips for devotees
It is advisable for devotees to confirm local timings before observing or breaking the fast. You can ensure smooth acts of giving on the sacred day by preparing donations or food packets in advance for charity. Those with health conditions, the elderly, or pregnant and nursing women may choose to keep a modified or symbolic fast after consulting doctors or family elders.
FAQs
- When is Papankusha Ekadashi in 2025?
Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on 3 October 2025, with the fast broken on 4 October morning.
- When is Rama Ekadashi in 2025?
Rama Ekadashi falls on 17 October 2025, with parana on 18 October 2025 in most regions.
- What is the parana time for Papankusha Ekadashi?
The parana window is from 06:16 am to 08:37 am on 4 October 2025, although timings may vary locally.
- What is the parana time for Rama Ekadashi?
The parana window is from 06:24 am to 08:41 am on 18 October 2025, depending on local sunrise times.
- What foods are avoided on Ekadashi?
Grains, beans, lentils, onions, garlic, and heavy foods are avoided. Devotees usually eat fruits, milk, or sattvic preparations if not on a full fast.
- Why is Ekadashi considered sacred?
It is the eleventh lunar day, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is believed to cleanse sins, discipline the mind, and increase spiritual merit.
- What is special about Papankusha Ekadashi?
It is associated with liberation from sins and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine grace when observed with devotion.
- What is the significance of Rama Ekadashi?
It is observed in Kartik Krishna Paksha, believed to protect devotees from troubles, ensure family welfare, and bring spiritual progress, and often linked to stories of kings receiving blessings through the vrata.
