Ekadashi Fasting in September 2025: What to Know, When to Fast & Why It Matters

Ekadashi is not just a date in the Hindu calendar. It is a special day for spiritual practice and inner reflection. For those who follow Sanatangyan (the eternal wisdom of the Vedas), Ekadashi is a sacred chance to slow down, cleanse the body and mind, and feel closer to the divine.

Ekadashi is a holy day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has deep meaning in Sanatan Dharm. It is more than just a fasting day—it is a spiritual practice followed by many devotees. The scriptures say it helps in raising spiritual awareness and moving toward moksha, or liberation. In September 2025, two important Ekadashis will be observed: Parsva Ekadashi and Indira Ekadashi. Each one has its own special rituals and spiritual importance.

The Deeper Meaning of Ekadashi: A Day for the Soul

An Ekadashi is a term defined as 'the eleventh day' in Sanskrit. In the moon’s finishing and starting stages (Krishna and Shukla), an Ekadashi can be found in both halves of a month. With Sanatangyan, however, Ekadashi holds a lot more significance. It is a time in which one’s body and mind are much more prepared for rigorous spiritual activities. People observe fasting (vrat), chant, and spend time in deep thought or meditation.

The Padma Purana has a verse which talks about the significance of Ekadashi:

"एकादश्यां उपवासं कृत्वा यः पुरुषो नरः।

विष्णुलोकं स गच्छेत वैकुण्ठे मोदते सुखम्॥"

Translation: "The person who observes fast on Ekadashi attains the abode of Lord Vishnu and rejoices in Vaikuntha with divine bliss."

Ekadashi Dates in September 2025

For the month of September, here are two particular Ekadashi vrats that you should pay special attention to.

Parsva Ekadashi – September 3, 2025

This Ekadashi is also called Parivartini Ekadashi or Vamana Ekadashi. It takes place in the month of Bhadrapada, during the bright half of the lunar month (Shukla Paksha).

• Ekadashi Tithi begins: 03:53 AM on September 3

• Tithi ends: 04:21 AM on September 4

• Hari Vasara ends: 10:18 AM on September 4

• Parana (fast-breaking) time: Between 01:36 PM and 04:07 PM on September 4

According to Skanda Purana, on this day, Lord Vishnu turns in his cosmic sleep, marking a transition in Chaturmas, the four sacred months. It is also associated with the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu, when the Lord took three giant steps to reclaim the universe from the demon king Bali.

Indira Ekadashi – September 17, 2025

This Ekadashi takes place in the month of Ashwina, during the dark half of the lunar month (Krishna Paksha). It is specially observed to honor and pray for the well-being of one’s ancestors (Pitru).

Ekadashi Tithi begins: 12:21 AM on September 17

Tithi ends: 11:39 PM on September 17

Parana time: 06:07 AM to 08:34 AM on September 18

Dwadashi ends: 11:24 PM on September 18

Indira Ekadashi is believed to help free the souls of ancestors from pain and suffering. It is said to guide them toward higher spiritual realms. Because of this, people perform special rituals on this day. These include Tarpan, which is offering water, and Pind Daan, which is offering food to honor and support their ancestors.

The Practice of Fasting: Rituals and Flexibility

Ekadashi is not just about food abstinence; it’s about turning inward. As per the Shastras, there are different levels of fasting one may follow:

1. Nirjala (without food and water)

2. Phalahar (fruits only)

3. Jal Sevan (water only)

4. Ek Bhukti (one sattvic meal)

Drik Panchang advises that the form of fast be chosen with intention and capability — a principle that even Sadhus follow when guiding disciples.

The Bhagavad Gita echoes the essence of such devotion:

“यत् करोषि, यत् किमपि खादसि,

यत् किमपि अर्पयसि वा ददासि,

यत् तपः करोषि—तत् मम अर्पणरूपेण कुरु।”

Translation: “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerity you perform—do that as an offering unto Me.”

Why It Matters: Beyond Rituals

The Shashtras proclaim that observing Ekadashi helps dissolve karma and grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It’s not just about food—it’s about freedom. Spiritual masters proclaim that all 11 senses (the five senses of knowledge, the five senses of action, and the mind) relax on Ekadashi and therefore can concentrate on the Atman, the true Self.

"न वैराग्यं न ज्ञानं न च योगो न च क्रिया।

एकादशी व्रतेनैव हरिं प्राप्नोति मानवः॥"

Translation: "Neither renunciation, nor knowledge, nor yoga or rituals alone can grant the Lord—but by observing Ekadashi, one attains Him."

In September 2025, Ekadashi is more than just a religious tradition — it’s a chance for deep personal growth and spiritual progress. By fasting, praying, and showing devotion, Parsva Ekadashi and Indira Ekadashi help us cleanse our body, lift our spirit, and feel closer to Lord Vishnu. Whether you’re looking for inner peace or honoring your ancestors, these special days remind us of the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma.