Lord Ekadashi April 2012 Dates | Kamada Ekadashi Vrat | Monthly Fasting for Vishnu

Dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu, Ekadashi Vrat is observed on the eleventh day of a fortnight in a Hindu lunar calendar. Ekadashi dates in April 2012 – April 3 and April 17 (on April 16, 2012 Smarta sect). Fasting from sunrise to next day morning sunrise is generally observed by many Hindus. Some observe the fast from the start time of Ekadasi Tithi and break the fast at the beginning of Dwadasi Tithi.

The April 3, 2012 Ekadasi is known as Kamada Ekadashi Vrat.

Hindu God Vishnu on Sesha on the Milky Ocean
April 17, 2012 Ekadashi fasting is known as VaruthuniEkadasi Vrat. Smarta tradition will be observing this Ekadasi on April 16, 2012.

The preparation for Ekadashi fasting begins on the Dasami day – the day before Ekadasi. On the Ekadasi day, devotees observe complete fast. The day is meant for hearing religious discourses and performing pujas.

There are also devotees who do not observe total fast. They avoid grains especially rice and consume fruits, nuts and milk.

The fasting comes to an end on the Dwadashi day with the consuming of food cooked in one’s house.