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Quick answer
On Vaikunta Ekadasi, in the Tamil month of Margazhi, many families fast and visit Vishnu temples to pass through the Paramapada vasal. Some fast completely; many eat only fruit, milk and nuts. The fast is broken the next morning, Dwadasi, with a simple meal.
- Avoid: rice and grains on the fasting day, in most homes.
- Dwadasi meal: often agathi keerai, nellikai and sundakkai.
- Customs differ between families; follow yours.
What families usually eat and avoid
Often eaten
- Fruits like banana and papaya
- Milk, buttermilk and curd
- Soaked dry fruits and nuts
- Water and tender coconut
Usually avoided
- Rice and other grains
- Onion and garlic
- Heavy fried food
The day, step by step
- Dasami nightA light dinner
Many eat early and light the night before.
- EkadasiFast and prayer
Temple visit, Vishnu sahasranamam, and many stay awake at night.
- Dwadasi morningBreak the fast
An early meal with agathi keerai, nellikai pachadi and sundakkai, after offering it at home.
Fast safely
If you have diabetes, low blood pressure, are pregnant or take regular medicine, talk to your doctor before fasting; a fruit-and-milk fast may suit you better than a full fast.
For a fruit-and-milk fast3 of 4 on our site
- Bananas and seasonal fruitday before
Questions people ask
Why is rice avoided on Ekadasi?
It is a long-held custom in many Vaishnava homes; families follow it as part of the fast.
Can children fast?
Children are usually not asked to fast. Give them their normal meals, perhaps without rice if the family prefers.
What is agathi keerai?
The leaves of the agathi tree, cooked as a simple poriyal for the Dwadasi meal.
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