Mumbai: In the Hindu tradition, Ekadashi holds immense spiritual significance and is considered one of the most sacred fasting days. Observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast is said to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu, cleanse past sins, and attract peace, prosperity, and protection from life’s troubles. However, to gain the full spiritual merit of this vrat (fast), it is vital to follow its strict dietary and ritual guidelines.
Yogini Ekadashi, falling during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon), is especially noted for its stringent rules on food consumption. Devotees who observe the fast are expected to avoid specific items even on the previous evening (Dashami), and only break the fast after following proper Paran (conclusion) rituals. Below is a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts for Yogini Ekadashi 2025.
On this sacred fasting day, devotees may consume a variety of fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, papayas, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and colocasia (arbi). Dairy products like milk, curd, buttermilk, paneer, and mawa are permitted. You may also include fasting-friendly grains such as buckwheat flour (kuttu), amaranth flour (rajgira), water chestnut flour (singhada), and sago (sabudana).
Foods prepared from these—such as puri, paratha, or khichdi—are acceptable. Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, raisins, walnuts, pistachios, and fox nuts (makhana) can also be eaten in moderation.
Certain food items are strictly prohibited on Ekadashi, regardless of whether you’re fasting or not. Consuming rice is entirely forbidden, as traditional belief holds that eating rice on Ekadashi leads to rebirth in lower life forms like insects.
Other grains and pulses such as wheat, barley, maize, millet, pigeon pea (arhar), green gram (moong), lentils (masoor), chickpeas (chana), and black gram (urad) are also not allowed. Additionally, onion and garlic, considered tamasic (impure), should be avoided on this day.
Women observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast should end their fast on Dwadashi tithi (the following day), only after the Hari Vasar period concludes. The fast should be broken first with prasad offered to Lord Vishnu—such as tulsi-infused water or fruit—followed by a satvik meal (pure vegetarian and simple food).
Preparations for Ekadashi should ideally begin on the evening of Dashami (the day before), by refraining from tamasic foods and setting a spiritually mindful tone.
Giving charity or donations on Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious. Offer food, clothes, or assistance to the poor and needy as per your capacity.
Devotees must also remember that Tulsi (holy basil) is extremely dear to Lord Vishnu. On Ekadashi, avoid plucking Tulsi leaves or touching the plant—instead, collect the leaves a day prior (on Dashami) for use in puja.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)
