Back to United States Calendar
Spiritual Significance
Indira Ekadashi falls during the sacred Pitru Paksha (fortnight for ancestors) and is one of the most powerful Ekadashis for liberating ancestors from suffering in lower planes of existence. Even ancestors who committed serious sins are said to be freed by the merit of this fast. It falls on the dark fortnight of Ashwin month.
How to Celebrate in United States
Observing Indira Ekadashi in United States is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in New York (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
- Ekadashi fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu and ancestral liberation
- Performing Shradh for ancestors in the morning
- Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama in memory of departed souls
- Donating food, clothes, and money in name of ancestors
- Breaking fast on Dwadashi morning with Vishnu prasad
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Black sesame (for ancestors)🌸 Tulsi🌸 Yellow flowers🌸 Water oblations🌸 Panchamrit