Indira Ekadashi 2025 | Date | Day | Observance | Significance & Legend

When is Indira Ekadashi, how does it observed? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Introduction

Indira Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashi fasts observed during the Pitru Paksha period, which is dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. It falls on the Ekadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin (September–October).

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In 2025, Indira Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, 17th September. On this sacred day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and observe a fast with the belief that it helps in granting peace to departed souls and in seeking divine blessings for prosperity and spiritual growth. Indira Ekadashi holds deep spiritual importance as it is said to liberate ancestors from worldly bondage and bring moksha (salvation).

Date & Day

Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025 

Tithi begins: 16 September 2025 at about 12:21 PM 

Tithi ends: 17 September 2025 at about 11:39 PM (or around that time depending on location) 

Parana / Fast-breaking time (dwadasi, after the fast): Morning of 18 September 2025, roughly between 6:06 AM – 8:30 AM IST in many places (varies by location) 

How to Observe Indira Ekadashi (Vrat Vidhi & Rituals)

Here are commonly followed practices (may vary by region or family tradition):

 Preparation

On the day of Dashami (10th lunar day), some start preparatory rites: bathing, cleaning the house, possibly doing preliminary prayers. 

Make arrangements for shraddha (ancestor rites), collect needed items: offerings, food for donation, etc.

Fasting (Upavas)

Observers usually fast on Ekadashi day (the 11th lunar day). Some observe a strict fast (no food, sometimes even no water), others may take fruits, milk etc. Depending on capacity and tradition. 

Bathing early in the morning, wearing clean clothes, and invoking Lord Vishnu. 

Puja and Shraddha / Ancestral Rituals

Performing tarpan (offering water or other ritual offerings to ancestors) in appropriate place (river, water body or home) 

Offering food & dakshina (charity) to Brahmins, priests, sometimes feeding animals. 

Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, other mantras, devotional songs or bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

Breaking the Fast

Fast is broken on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day) after observing the prescribed time for parana (fast-ending) which must be after sunrise, and during the favorable muhurta (auspicious window) for parana. 

Prior to breaking, additional prayers, offerings, and sometimes feeding Brahmins etc.

Donations and Charity

Giving alms, donating food, clothes, etc., especially to Brahmins or needy persons. Such charitable acts amplifies the merits of the day. 

Significance

Since this Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha, its observance is strongly linked with ancestor rites (shraddha), tarpan, and praying for the souls of departed forefathers. 

Observing this fast is said to grant spiritual merit comparable to that of great sacrifices (yajnas) in some scriptures. 

It is believed that by doing the rituals, fasting, charitable acts, and worshipping Lord Vishnu, one can cleanse sins (one’s own and those of ancestors), and help the ancestors achieve peace and liberation. 

Legend (Vrat Katha)

The story of Indira Ekadashi is connected with King Indrasena of Mahishmati. 

King Indrasena was a devout ruler. After his father passed away, his soul was suffering in Yamaloka (the abode of Yama, the god of death) because certain religious duties (specifically, Ekadashi vrats) had not been properly observed. 

Sage Narada comes to King Indrasena and advises him to observe Indira Ekadashi fast, worship Lord Vishnu, and dedicate the merits of his fast to his departed father. 

By sincerely observing the fast and performing the rituals, King Indrasena’s father attains peace and liberation (moksha), and is freed from suffering. 

Because of this legend, Indira Ekadashi is especially associated with the salvation of ancestors, releasing them from suffering, and bringing blessings to the family. 

Conclusion

Indira Ekadashi is a deeply spiritual day in the Hindu calendar — one that combines devotion to Lord Vishnu, remembrance and ritual for ancestors, and the opportunity for cleansing and blessing through fasting, prayer, and charity. In 2025, it falls on 17 September (Wednesday), so those observing will prepare and follow the traditional vrata and rituals with sincerity to obtain the spiritual benefits promised in the ancient legends.