Kamika Ekadashi 2017: Here’s all you need to know about the Hindu Festival!

• Very little is known about the Hindu festival Kamika Ekadashi
• The festivities start with Parana, that means breaking the fast
• Pratahkal is the most preferred time to break the fast

Kolkata, July 18, 2017:

Kamika Ekadashi is one of the lesser known Hindu festivals in India. There is a possibility that very few of us may have heard about it. This year, Kamika Ekadashi is on July 19 and is celebrated by many, particularly who believe in Hinduism.

The festivities start with Parana, that means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana should be done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. Parana needs to be done within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is treated similarly to an offense.

Parana is not supposed to be done during Hari Vasra. One needs to wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the Ekadashi fast. The first one-fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi is Hari Vasara.

Pratahkal is the most preferred time to break the fast. However, breaking the fast during Madhyahna should be avoided. Only if due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one is allowed to do it after Madhyahna.

ALSO READ: Ekadasi: Why Ekadashi is celebrated in Hinduism? – by Dr Bharti Raizada

Sometimes Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days but it is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on the first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for sanyasis, widows and for those who intend to achieve Moksha. If alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it may coincide with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for only those staunch devotees of Lord Vishnu who seek love and affection from their respected deity.

This year the Kamika Ekadashi falls on 19th July, Wednesday. On 20th, Parana time is from 13:02 to 15:40. On Parana Day the Hari Vasara end moment is 9:38. Here is the list of the other important timings for Kamika Ekadashi this year:

Alternate Kamika Ekadashi = 20/07/2017
On 21st, Parana Time for Alternate Ekadashi = 05:07 to 07:45
On Parana Day Dwadashi would be over before Sunrise
Ekadashi Tithi Begins = 07:25 on 19/Jul/2017
Ekadashi Tithi Ends = 04:27 on 20/Jul/2017

– by Durba Mandal of NewsGram. Twitter @dubumerang