Ekadashi is generally celebrated twice a month that falls on the eleventh day of the waning and the waxing new moon. Ekadashi is a fasting, prayer, and self-purification event devoted to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and the protector of the Hindu culture. Believers follow religious practices on this day with genuine faith that will lead to peace, prosperity, and blessing and assist in the cleansing of the mind and body of the negative. In September 2025 we will have two Ekadashis and each has its meaning and rituals.
Ekadashi Dates in September 2025
Next Ekadashis will be observed in September, 2025:
| Ekadashi | Date | Tithi Begin / End | Parana Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsva (Parivartini) Ekadashi | Wednesday, 3 September 2025 | Begins: 03:53 AM, 3 Sept; Ends: 04:21 AM, 4 Sept | Parana: 10:18 AM, 4 Sept ** |
| Indira Ekadashi | Wednesday, 17 September 2025 | Begins: 12:21 AM, 17 Sept; Ends: 11:39 PM, 17 Sept | Parana: 6:07 AM – 8:34 AM, 18 Sept |
These two Ekadashis are special in religious interpretations and practices.
Parsva Ekadashi – 3 September 2025
Significance
Parsva Ekadashi is also called Parivartini Ekadashi or Vamana Ekadashi based on its mythological story behind it. These are very important in Vaishnava tradition. Hindu tradition says on this day, at Chaturmas (the four holy months), Lord Vishnu turns his back as he sleeps on the serpent Ananta, in the Kshira Sagara (the cosmic ocean of milk). It is believed that it is a good period to start activities related to religion like donations, vows, and spiritual practices.
There is also the relationship with the fifth Avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vamana Avatar, who came down to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin to bring dharma by making the demon king Bali pay penance. Those who worship devote this day to the triumph of good over evil by Lord Vamana.
Rituals
On Parsva Ekadashi, the people get up early, take a sacred bath and pray to Lord Vishnu. Strict fasting is followed either by no food or eating of fruits, milk and plain vegetarian food. Vishnu Sahasranama is recited and special Vishnu pujas are undertaken to seek divine blessings. Charity is also quite meritorious on this day as it is thought to multiply blessings.
People believe that individuals who observe Parsva Ekadashi with reverence are blessed with prosperity, good health and protection against bad energies. It is also on the day that preparations towards Diwali commence as it is in the second half of the Chaturmas season.
Indira Ekadashi – 17 September 2025
Significance
It happens in the Pitru Paksha, two weeks of remembrance and honor to the souls that have died. It is said that king Indrasena once watched this Ekadashi after having been advised by Narada Muni to release the soul of his father in the world of the dead. Since that time the Indira Ekadashi is regarded as a strong day to perform rites which can bring the ancestors to peace.
Rituals
On this day, the worshipers carry out the Shraddha and Tarpan rites, feeding themselves, giving water and offering prayers to the ancestors. The fast is practiced as a way of repentance and worship. There are also other things that many people do such as chanting mantras, reading Bhagavad Gita, and even giving tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu. Giving charity and feeding the poor or Brahmins is said to be very auspicious because it is thought to bring blessings to both the person who is giving it and also to their forebears.
Spiritual Nature of Ekadashi
Although every Ekadashi has its own tradition, the spirit of the celebration is the same: it is the day of moderation, worship and communication with God. By restraining themselves, believers focus on prayer and meditation and service. Fasting will allow the digestive system to rest, detoxify the body and provide mental clarity. It adds spiritual practices to give a feeling of balance and relaxation that most of the devotees adore.
Conclusion
Both Ekadashi dates falling in September 2025, are on 3 September and 17 September. Parsva Ekadashi glorifies the divine aspect of Lord Vishnu in ensuring the balance of all things in the universe, Indira Ekadashi is for paying tribute to the forefathers and bringing peace to them. These two days teach us about the strength of devotion, discipline and service.
Through heartfelt faith in Ekadashi done by fasting, praying and virtuous actions, not only do devotees pursue blessings for themselves, but they also foster their spiritual growth and the unity of their family.
