Latest news with #Ekadashis
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Taste of Life: Encouraging fasting to protect religious traditions
Pune: In early twentieth-century Colonial India, a resurgence of religio-cultural self-awareness that endorsed traditions played a significant role in defining cultural identities. This self-awareness existed alongside the diversities based on caste, ethnicity, and region. The encounter with modernisation sharpened the expressions of cultural identity that differed from traditional religio-cultural conflicts. Movie halls like the Minerva Talkies and Prabhat were known to distribute dates to the fasting audience. Fasting on 'Ekadashi' was considered a tool to bridge the gaps and rifts between different castes and communities. (HT) Keshav V Datye of Shukravar Peth, Pune, wrote a letter to the Marathi daily 'Dnyanaprakash' on July 29, 1940, that began with the criticism of the youth for indulging in frivolity by watching movies on the important festival of 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. But his bigger consternation was the consumption of 'soda-lemon', tea, and peanuts by a significant section of the audience before, during, and after the screenings, on the day they were supposed to stay away from food. Datye worked at a printing press in Pune. He was also a founding member of an 'Ekadashi Sanghatana'. Members of such organisations fasted on every 'Ekadashi' and donated the money thus saved to funds established for the welfare of Indian political prisoners. Readers of this column would remember an article I wrote last year about these 'Ekadashi Sanghatanas', the fasts on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' and Muharram, and how they forged a bond between the two communities (Fasting brings people of faith together, July 18, 2024). 'Ekadashi', the eleventh day of the waxing and waning lunar cycles of the Hindu calendar, was a day of fasting for many Hindus. There were two 'Ekadashis', and hence, two fasting days each month. While most men and women fasted for a day, some women kept the 'Ekadashi' fast for three days. They lunched a day before 'Ekadashi' and broke the fast two days later after sunrise. Some chose to fast without water, while some ate only fruits. 'Ashadh Shuddha Ekadashi', also known as 'Devashayani Ekadashi', the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of 'Ashadh', was one of the most important of the 'Ekadashis'. Fasting was its essential aspect. Since ancient times, fasting has been an expression of piety or penitence towards a deity. In Christianity, fasting was often viewed as a form of penance; while in Islam, it was more about praise and obedience. Fasting to achieve specific results from a deity highlighted a form of thinking where the act of fasting was believed to have direct effects on divine intervention. The reasons given for fasting on an 'Ekadashi' were manifold and depended on which text one referred to. While one was supposed to not touch a single morsel of food on the day, the modern middle-class embraced new ingredients like the potato, sago, peanuts, and chillies and used them to create novel dishes which it decided could be consumed when one was fasting. The housewife, hence, proudly displayed her repertoire of fasting dishes on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. Women who ate only once during the entire month of 'Ashadh' were believed to be blessed with prosperity and children. The 'Vaman Purana', one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hinduism, advised donation of footwear, umbrellas, and gooseberry soaked in brine to Brahmins during the holy month. Some vegetable and fruit vendors specially stocked gooseberries during the month. The pressures of modernisation in Colonial India tried to replace and reshape traditional cultures that exhibited resistance and adaptive qualities. The arrival of technology was a sign of emancipation, but it also created anxiety because of the constantly changing personal and social life. The lure of modernity, hence, was perceived as a threat to religious traditions. The anxiety created by Western education and modernity made a section of the Hindu middle class embrace religious rituals with a vigour. The 1930s saw the popularity of the 'Satyanarayana Pooja' soar to new heights. Lord Satyanarayana was considered a form of Lord Vishnu, and hence the ritual was performed with great devotion in the month of 'Ashadh'. Since men had to work during the day, the pooja was organised in the evenings, followed by dinner for guests in some wealthy households. 'Ashadh Pournima', the full moon day of the month of 'Ashadh', was also celebrated as 'Guru Pournima' as a day to mark reverence to teachers. Many families observed a full-day fast on the occasion. The fast ended after the evening ritual of paying obeisance to the spiritual or religious guru of the family or the deity. Some well-to-do families in Pune organised community feasts in Vishnu temples in the city. Many invited their guru, or a Brahmin for lunch. It was also a day when students bowed before their teachers in schools and colleges. The Hindu unification project, initiated and led by the likes of Mahadevshastri Divekar in the early 1920s, called for the abolition of rituals that encouraged the segregation supported by the caste system. Fasting on 'Ekadashi' was considered a tool to bridge the gaps and rifts between different castes and communities, chiefly owing to the association with the pilgrimage to Pandharpur, where men and women belonging to different castes and communities participated. Those not fasting every 'Ekadashi' were not considered good Hindus. Following religious rituals was deemed necessary to preserve Hinduism in its 'pure' form. As a result, groups like 'Tarun Maharashtra Mandal' organised bhajans and keertans for three days before the 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' in the so-called 'lower caste' localities. People belonging to these castes and communities were urged to fast and follow Hindu rituals. Extra shows of movies and plays, apart from the regular shows at 6 pm and 10 pm, were organised at 3 pm on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. Movies like 'Sant Sakhu' and 'Sant Meerabai' were shown, and plays like 'Swargasundari' were staged. The trend probably started in the late 1920s. On the 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' in July 1930, Jagadish Film Company's 'Dwarakadhesh' was screened at Aryan Theatre. The 3 pm show was packed with a large crowd outside the movie hall shouting at the doorkeeper to let them in. In the following years, movie halls in Pune made it a regular custom to organise extra shows on 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. Movie halls like the Minerva Talkies and Prabhat were known to distribute dates to the fasting audience. According to Datye, 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' was an occasion to cleanse mind and body, and those watching movies and drinking 'soda-lemon' were drifting away from the purpose, and hence, from their religion. The young men, on whom 'future of the country rested', were supposed to take pride in the glorious religious traditions of Hinduism; 'modern education' had corrupted the minds of men and women who were gratified by 'western indulgences', but the least they could do was fast on 'Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashis', he wrote. Datye's letter in 'Dnyanaprakash' was a testament to the renewed enthusiasm surrounding Hindu festivals in twentieth-century Maharashtra that emphasised the importance of fasting and prayer as integral to the lifestyle of the community, and that these practices were deeply embedded in their religious identity. It showed how the stress, emotions, and novelty associated with westernisation and modernity collided with challenges from the internal and external world that demanded self-control, orderliness, and homogeneity. Chinmay Damle is a research scientist and food enthusiast. He writes here on Pune's food culture. He can be contacted at
News18
06-06-2025
- General
- News18
When Is Nirjala Ekadashi At Khatu Shyam Temple? Check Mangal Aarti Timings
Last Updated: Lakhs of devotees are expected at Khatu Shyam Temple on Nirjala Ekadashi. With Mangala Aarti at 5am, the temple will stay open for darshan round the clock Crowds of devotees continue to gather at the renowned Baba Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan's Sikar district. Pilgrims from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Haryana, and various parts of the country, as well as from abroad, are arriving in large numbers. With Nirjala Ekadashi falling on June 6 (Friday) this year, a massive turnout is expected at the temple. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee and the local administration have made extensive arrangements. Fans, coolers, and ample cold water facilities have been set up across the temple premises to help devotees cope with the summer heat. The temple committee and administrative authorities are holding regular meetings to coordinate crowd management and ensure orderly darshan on June 6. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, two each month, and each is marked by a significant influx of devotees. Among these, Nirjala Ekadashi holds special spiritual significance. On this day, lakhs of devotees are expected to reach the temple. Starting with the Mangala Aarti at 5am, the temple will remain open for darshan throughout the day and night. Facilities For Devotees Chairman of the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee, Manvendra Singh Chauhan, said that special measures have been taken to protect devotees from the heat. Carpets have been laid on walking paths for those arriving barefoot. Cold water is being sprayed along village roads from tankers, and free water pouches are being distributed throughout the temple complex. In anticipation of the large crowd on Nirjala Ekadashi, security arrangements have also been bolstered. In addition to temple guards, local police, the Reserve Police Line, and the RAC will be deployed to ensure safety and crowd control. Dedicated Arrangements For Disabled Devotees Special arrangements have been made for disabled visitors. To help them access darshan comfortably, additional wheelchairs have been provided. Volunteers from the temple committee will assist disabled devotees through a dedicated ' Divyang ' line that bypasses the general queue. Furthermore, extra traffic police will be deployed to manage vehicular flow in and around Khatu town. First Published: June 06, 2025, 09:46 IST
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Vrat katha, date, timings, significance—all you need to know
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Ekadashi is one of the most significant days in Hinduism. On this day, devotees worship and observe a fast for Lord Vishnu to receive his blessings. Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most important Ekadashi among all the 24 Ekadashis in the year. Nirjala Vrat translates into fasting without water, and this Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed without food and water and is considered the most difficult of the Ekadashi fasts. For those devotees unable to observe all 24 Ekadashis throughout the year, it is recommended to fast solely on Nirjala Ekadashi, as fasting on this day is believed to confer the benefits of all the other Ekadashis. Nirjala Ekadashi fast falls in the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, and according to the Gregorian/English calendar, it falls in May or June. It falls on the next day of Ganga Dussehra, and this year, the Nirjala Ekadashi date starts on Friday, June 6, at 2:15 am and ends on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 4:47 am. Those observing the fast on June 7 can break it (Parana) between 1:44 PM and 4:31 PM, after the end of Hari Vasara, which concludes at 11:25 AM. For Vaishnav Ekadashi, which falls on 8th June 2025, the Parana time is from 5:23 AM to 7:17 AM, with the Dwadashi Tithi ending at 7:17 AM. It is important to wait until Hari Vasara ends before performing Parana, as breaking the fast earlier is not considered auspicious. Devotees should ensure they break their fast within these specified times to observe the rituals correctly and receive the full spiritual benefits. The mythological story associated with Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi, Bhimaseni Ekadashi, or Bhim Ekadashi, is about Bhimasena, the Pandavas' second brother, who was very fond of eating and drinking and was unable to control his hunger, so he could not observe the Ekadashi fast. Aside from Bhima, the other Pandava brothers and Draupadi devotedly observed all of the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Bhimasena was worried by his helplessness and vulnerability. Bhimasena believed that by not observing the Ekadashi fast, he was disrespecting Lord Vishnu. To resolve this dilemma, Bhimasena went to Maharishi Vyas, who recommended him to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast once a year, claiming that Nirjala Ekadashi is comparable to twenty-four Ekadashis of the year. Following this legendary narrative, Nirjala Ekadashi became known as Bhimseni Ekadashi and Pandava Ekadashi. To read the full vrat katha of Nirjala Ekadashi fast in Hindi, one can follow the link to Jansatta.
India Today
05-06-2025
- General
- India Today
6 important things to know about Nirjala Ekadashi 2025
6 important things to know about Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 By Chaitanya Dhawan Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most sacred and rigorous of all Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar. Observed without food or water, this vrat falls during the peak of summer and is believed to offer the spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Wanda Maximoff Nirjala Ekadashi is known for being the strictest of all 24 Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. Devotees observe a complete fast without food and water, making it physically and spiritually intense. 1. The Most Rigorous Ekadashi Fast The word Nirjala translates to 'without water' in Sanskrit. Unlike other Ekadashis, where water or fruits may be consumed, this fast is observed without even a sip of water for 24 hours. 2. 'Nirjala' Means 'Without Water' In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 6, falling on the 11th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, typically during extreme summer — making the waterless fast even more challenging. 3. Falls on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in Jyeshtha Month The origin of Nirjala Ekadashi is tied to Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. Unable to observe all 24 Ekadashis, he was advised by Sage Vyasa to observe this one Ekadashi with full dedication to gain the virtue of all the others combined. 4. Associated With Bhima from Mahabharata It is said that observing Nirjala Ekadashi with true devotion and discipline can wash away past sins and bestow salvation (moksha). The vrata is considered highly meritorious in Hindu dharma. 5. Believed To Wash Away All Sins On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with prayers, bhajans, and Tulsi leaves. Many people read the Vishnu Sahasranama and engage in acts of charity, especially donating water, clothes, and food to the poor. 6. Devotees Worship Lord Vishnu
News18
05-06-2025
- General
- News18
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Know Fasting Rules And The Right Time To Drink Water
Last Updated: Nirjala Ekadashi: This is the only Ekadashi in the year where both food and water are strictly prohibited, making it the most difficult among all 24 Ekadashis observed annually Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most significant and challenging fasts in the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls on June 6 and 7. On June 6, householders will observe the fast, while Vaishnav devotees will observe it on June 7. Many devotees often wonder whether water can be consumed during Nirjala Ekadashi fast. According to Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, an astrologer from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, the answer lies in the name itself — ' Nirjala ' means 'without water'. This is the only Ekadashi in the year where both food and water are strictly prohibited, making it the most difficult among all 24 Ekadashis observed annually. What Happens if You Drink Water During Nirjala Ekadashi? If a person observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast consumes water, even by mistake, the fast is considered broken and fruitless. Legend has it that even Bhimsen, one of the five Pandavas known for his immense appetite, observed this waterless fast. This is why Nirjala Ekadashi is also referred to as 'Bhimaseni Ekadashi'. It is believed that by observing this fast with full discipline and devotion to Lord Vishnu, one can wash away sins and attain salvation. In fact, scriptures suggest that even if someone does not observe any other fast throughout the year, keeping Nirjala Ekadashi once in a lifetime is equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis and grants entry to heaven. When Can Water Be Used? Even in achamana, the quantity of water should not exceed six ' masey ' (a traditional unit of measurement), as advised by Ved Vyas to Bhimsen. Consumption of food, fruits, juices, or any form of liquid is completely prohibited. When Can You Drink Water? People observing the Nirjala fast often drink water the next day after sunrise, but this can break the fast if done before Hari Vasara ends. For those fasting on June 6, Hari Vasara ends at 11:25 AM on June 7. Water can only be consumed after this time. The Parana (breaking of the fast) time for householders is between 1:44 PM and 4:31 PM on June 7. Drinking water or eating before 11:25 AM will invalidate the fast. For Vaishnavs observing the fast on June 7, water can be consumed after sunrise on June 8. Since Hari Vasara ends on June 7, Parana should be done between 5:23 AM and 7:17 AM on June 8, before the end of Dwadashi Tithi.
