Kamada Ekadashi 2018: Important do's, don'ts to keep in mind before fasting

Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is also known as Kamada Ekadashi falls on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha during the Hindu lunar month of ‘Chaitra’. It falls in month of March or April according to the English calendar. This year it will be observed on Tuesday (March 27).

This ekadashi is observed to honour Sri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The word ‘kamada’ signifies ‘fulfilment of desires’ and therefore Kamada Ekadashi is believed to be a spiritual observance that fulfills all the worldly desires. 

Do's on Kamada Ekadashi:

# Devotees must begin their day with an early bath.

# On this day, the idol of Lord Krishna is worshipped with sandalwood, flowers, fruits and dhoop.

# One must observe fast with devotion and by following certain rules. The observer of this fast can eat one simple meal that comprises of milk products, fruits, vegetables, nuts and dried fruits. 

# The fast continues for 24 hours from the sunrise of ekadashi to the sunrise of the following day, Dwadashi.

# The fast is broken on the next day, after offering food and some ‘dakshina’ to a Brahmin.# It is said that devotees do not sleep during the afternoon as well as night.

# The observer of the vrat must also listen to the Kamada Ekadashi vrat katha. 

Don'ts on Kamada Ekadashi:

# One must avoid the consumption of grains, pulses, peas and beans.

# It is also said that Tulasi leaves should not be picked on Ekadasi and Dwadasi

#  Devotees must not eat non-veg (meat, fish, eggs), mushrooms, liquor, intoxicants (cigarettes, tobacco) and other tamasic food is strictly prohibited on Ekadasi.

Important Timings On Kamada Ekadashi

Sunrise 27-Mar-2018 06:28 AM

Sunset 27-Mar-2018 18:36 PM

Dwadashi End Moment:28-Mar-2018 23:23 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Begins:27-Mar-2018 03:43 AM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 28-Mar-2018 01:31 AM

Hari Vasara End Moment: 28-Mar-2018 06:59 AM

Parana Time: 06:59 AM - 08:53 AM