Mumbai: Papmochani Ekadashi, one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, will be observed over two days in March 2025 — on 25 and 26 March. Falling in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the Chaitra month, this sacred occasion is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. According to Hindu beliefs, observing a fast and offering prayers on this day absolves devotees of all sins and paves the path toward salvation.
While Ekadashi fasts are typically observed on a single day, this year’s Papmochani Ekadashi will span two days due to different observances by the general Hindu and Vaishnav communities. The traditional fast will be held on Tuesday, 25 March, while the Vaishnav Papmochani Ekadashi will be marked a day later, on Wednesday, 26 March. This dual observance is not due to a calendar error but follows distinct spiritual traditions and ritual practices.
As per the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Ekadashi tithi will begin at 5:05 AM on 25 March and end at 3:45 AM on 26 March. Based on the sunrise (Udaya Tithi), the fast will be observed by most devotees on 25 March. Meanwhile, the Vaishnav community, which follows specific Vishnu-centric rituals, will observe their fast on 26 March.
For those observing the fast on 25 March, the Parana (breaking of the fast) should be performed on 26 March between 1:41 PM and 4:08 PM. Devotees are advised to break their fast during this auspicious window following prescribed rituals.
Vaishnav devotees observing the fast on 26 March will break their fast the next day, 27 March, between 6:17 AM and 8:45 AM. During this period, special prayers to Lakshmi Narayan are performed before concluding the fast.
Papmochani Ekadashi is regarded as a powerful day to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, consciously or otherwise. It is believed that sincere worship on this day grants inner peace and spiritual purification, making it a highly revered occasion in Hindu tradition.
