Mumbai: Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is one of the most significant fasting days in the Hindu calendar. Observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the month of Jyeshtha, this sacred fast is believed to bestow immense spiritual merit upon devotees. In 2025, Apara Ekadashi falls on Friday, 23 May, with the Ekadashi tithi beginning at 1:12 AM and ending at 10:00 PM on the same day. The fast will be observed on 23 May, and Parana (breaking the fast) will be performed after sunrise on 24 May.

Devotees observe this vrat with the hope of gaining blessings of Lord Vishnu, wealth, fame, and liberation from past sins. It is said that even the gravest sins—including brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin), cow slaughter, and adultery—can be washed away through sincere observance of this Ekadashi. The vrat is also considered helpful in granting peace and liberation to ancestors and is said to yield the spiritual merit equivalent to performing yajnas, making pilgrimages, and giving generous donations.

Foods Allowed During Apara Ekadashi (If Not Fasting Without Water)

• If you are not observing a nirjala vrat (a strict fast without water), the following foods are allowed:
• Fruits: All kinds such as banana, apple, orange, grapes, papaya, etc.
• Dairy products: Milk, curd, buttermilk, and homemade paneer.
• Dry fruits: Almonds, raisins, cashews, walnuts.
• Root vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, colocasia (arbi)—only with sendha namak (rock salt).
• Non-Cereal Flours: Items made from kuttu atta (buckwheat flour), singhade ka atta (water chestnut flour), and sabudana (tapioca), including khichdi, vada, or rotis.
• Sugar and sendha namak: Can be consumed in moderation.
• Water: Allowed if not doing a nirjala fast.
• Tea/coffee: Permitted without milk and sugar.

Foods to avoid on Apara Ekadashi

• All grains and pulses: Rice, wheat, lentils (except green gram), barley, mustard seeds, and products made from them like roti, chapati, idli, dosa.
• Onion and garlic: Considered tamasic and thus prohibited.
• Non-vegetarian foods: Meat, fish, eggs are strictly forbidden.
• Honey: Many observers avoid honey on Ekadashi.
• Strong spices: Avoid red chilli, turmeric, coriander powder. Only black pepper and sendha namak are permitted.
• Fried foods: Should be avoided. If necessary, use limited amounts of pure ghee or oil.

How to observe apara ekadashi vrat

The observance of this vrat begins from the evening of Dashami (the 10th lunar day). Devotees should consume a saatvik (pure vegetarian) meal before sunset and observe brahmacharya (celibacy).

On the morning of Ekadashi:

• Rise early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Take a vow to observe the fast and worship Lord Vishnu.
• Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, lamp, and fruits to the deity.
• Remain on a complete fast or consume only the permitted food items.
• Avoid negative thoughts and maintain inner calm throughout the day.
• Chant Lord Vishnu’s mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, and participate in bhajan-kirtan during the night if possible.
• On Dwadashi (the following day), bathe and offer prayers again. Feed a Brahmin or the needy and offer donations. The fast should be broken at an auspicious time after sunrise, beginning with tulsi dal and charanamrit, followed by a saatvik meal.

Apara Ekadashi is not just a ritual—it is a day of deep spiritual cleansing, charity, and devotion, guiding the soul toward liberation and inner peace.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)