Ekadashi fasts in October 2025 | Dates | Day | Rituals & significance

Ekadashi fasts in October 2025

By Intimate Viewpoint

Introduction

Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (tithi) of each fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. There are 24 Ekādashis in a year (one in each Shukla Paksha and one in each Krishna Paksha). Devotees observe fasts, perform special prayers to Lord Vishnu, and engage in spiritual practices. Observing Ekādashi is believed to cleanse one’s sins, bring spiritual merit, and aid in attaining moksha (liberation).

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Ekadashi dates in October 2025

In October 2025, there are two Ekādashi fasts:

Name of Ekadashi Date (Gregorian) Day of week Lunar Paksha Notes

Papankusha Ekādashi 3 October 2025 Friday Shukla Paksha, Ashvina month This is the first Ekādashi in October. 

Rama Ekādashi 17 October 2025 Friday Krishna Paksha, Kartika month This is the second Ekādashi in October. 

The Tithi & Timing

Papankusha Ekādashi: The tithi begins on 2 October 2025 at about 7:10 PM and ends 3 October 2025 at about 6:32 PM (according to many panchang sources) 

Rama Ekādashi: The Ekādashi tithi begins 16 October 2025 at about 10:35 AM and ends 17 October 2025 at about 11:12 AM 

Significance and Rituals

Papankusha Ekādashi

Meaning & Significance: The name “Papankusha” refers to washing away sins (“papa” = sin). Observing this fast is believed to remove past sins and grant the devotee a place in Vaikuntha (the divine abode of Vishnu). 

Rituals:

Wake early, take a holy bath.

Clean the place of worship, install an idol or image of Lord Vishnu (or a Vishnu symbol).

Offer Tulasi leaves, flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and sweets (if allowed after the fast).

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu mantras, or recite Ekādashi Katha (the story associated with the fast).

Maintain celibacy, avoid false speech, non-violence, and focus on devotion.

Prāṇā (breaking the fast) is done on the next day (Dvādaśī) during an auspicious time (muḥūrta) after sunrise, after offering to Brahmins, cows, needy, etc. 

Parana (Breaking Fast) Time: Many sources suggest the Parana for Papankusha Ekādashi on 4 October 2025, approximately between 06:16 AM to 08:37 AM (varies by location) 

Rama Ekādashi

Meaning & Significance: Also called Rama Ekādashi (or Rāma-Ekādashi), it falls in Krishna Paksha of Kartika month. Observing this fast is considered highly auspicious — it is believed to purify all sins, and those who observe it with devotion attain Lord Vishnu’s grace and liberation. 

Rituals:

Bath and purification in the morning.

Setup of the altar for Lord Vishnu / Lord Rama, with flowers, incense, and lamp.

Offer Tulasi leaf, recite Vishnu/Sri Rama mantras or Sahasranama.

Read or listen to the story (katha) of Rama Ekādashi.

Fast (nirjala or partial, depending on tradition) and maintain spiritual discipline.

Break the fast (Parana) on Dvādaśī during the muhurta after sunrise. 

Parana Time: For 2025, sources mention parana on 18 October 2025, early morning hours. 

Observing Ekādashi: Things to Keep in Mind

Type of Fast

Many observe nirjala (completely without water).

Others follow a fruit-only or water-only fast depending on health and tradition.

Avoid: grains (rice, wheat, cereals), beans, onions, garlic, and certain vegetables, as per tradition in many Vaishnava practices.

Charity: Giving in charity (food, clothes, money) especially to Brahmins, cows, the needy is highly meritorious.

Devotional Practices: Reading scriptures, singing bhajans, meditating, doing japa, visiting temples, and practicing humility and self-control. 

Parana (breaking fast): Must be done during the prescribed time on Dvādaśī. Missing parana within the muhurta invalidates the fast in many traditions.

Health Considerations: Elderly, pregnant, or sick persons should follow a modified fast (as per guidance) rather than strict fasting.

Why Ekādashi Matters Especially in October?

October is a spiritually potent month in the Hindu calendar. It often straddles Ashvina and Kartik months. The Ekādashis in this month offer devotees an opportunity to purify themselves before major festivals like Diwali, Kartika month worship, etc. Fasting and devotion on these days are believed to yield extra spiritual merit and help in cleansing accumulated sins.