New Delhi: Rama Ekadashi is considered an auspicious occasion marking the beginning of the Diwali festival during the month of Kartik. It is celebrated each year on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha with fasting and prayers. Not only does it precede Diwali, but it is also the last Ekadashi of Chaturmas. Devotees observe fast, do katha and other rituals to impress Lord Rama for good fortune, happiness and spiritual enlightenment. This year the fast of Rama Ekdashi is being celebrated on October 17, 2025.

Keeping fast on this day is associated with impressing Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, the founder of the world and happiness. This fast also opens the door for the attainment of the heavenly abode (Vaikuntha). One of the most important rituals on this day is reciting the vrat katha to seek blessings and happiness in life.

Rama Ekadashi 2025 Date and Tithi

Rama Ekadashi vrat katha

According to Hindu mythology, the Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha narrates the story of King Muchukunda and his daughter Shrimati, who were blessed by Lord Vishnu for their deep faith and discipline. Observing this fast with a pure heart is said to wash away negative karma and ensure eternal happiness. The day begins with an early bath, followed by the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, lighting diyas, and offering tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets to the deity.

Rama Ekadashi donation rituals

The festival and fast of Rama Ekadashi is associated with many rituals, but donating items to the needy and the priest is considered auspicious and brings peace and motivation in life. Here is what you can donate on this day, and how to remove hurdles from your life through donation.

• Take a bath early in the morning and offer prayers to god at home, temple or visit a temple nearby with sincere intentions of seeking blessings.

• Offering cooked meals or grains, fruits or vegetables to the poor, Brahmins or the temple as a donation is considered highly auspicious and brings wealth to the home. As per the Hindu rituals, Anndana is considered the most significant donation.

• Donate essentials such as clothes to the needy, food to the poor, blankets, footwear, or even household items to those in need.

• Give a Tulsi plant as a gift or a donation to a temple or someone who is poor, and lighting diyas in the temple is also considered good for Rama Ekadashi donation.

• Those who can afford precious items such as gold, silver or money can also donate as per their choice.

Rama Ekdashi fasting rules

1. The day starts with an early bath before sunrise and a vow to keep fast for the entire day.
2. One must avoid eating lentils, grains or rice or wheat.
3. One can consume food items such as fruits, milk, water or falahar food items such as sabudana, kuttu atta and more.
4. Some people observe a Nirjala fast and do not eat or drink anything in the entire day.
5. Offer tulsi leaves, fruits, diyas, and sweets to Lord Vishnu. Chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya mantra throughout the day.

Observe the fasting and celebration day of Rama Ekdashi with our guide to know the exact date, vrat katha, puja significance and how to keep the fast correctly. Do not miss on the guidelines and remember health is more important than pleasing god, observe fast mindfully and seek the blessings of god for heavenly abode.