ISKCON Ekadashi Calender

ISKCON Ekadashi Calendar 2025 – Complete Fasting Dates & Spiritual Significance

Ekadashi, the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, holds a special place in the hearts of Vaishnavas and devotees of Lord Krishna. It is considered the most auspicious day for spiritual elevation, fasting, and devotion. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) follows the Vaishnava Ekadashi calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar and includes dates as per the Vedic Panchang.

In 2025, ISKCON devotees across the world will observe Ekadashi vratam with great devotion, following the dates established by the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Below, we provide the complete ISKCON Ekadashi calendar for 2025, along with the breaking fast (parana) timings, the spiritual benefits of fasting, and why Ekadashi is such a vital part of devotional life.

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) phases of the moon. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated by performing bhakti-yoga, chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and refraining from grains and beans.

Fasting on Ekadashi helps purify the body and mind, allowing one to progress spiritually. In ISKCON, devotees observe Nirjala (complete fast), Phalahar (fruit-based), or Annakut-free fasts depending on their level of commitment and health.

Ekadashi in January

Putrada Ekadashi – Friday, January 10, 2025

Parana: Saturday, January 11 | 07:17 AM – 08:24 AM
Significance: "Saphala" means success. Fasting on this day brings all-around victory and spiritual growth. Observed for purification and to begin the year on a divine note.

Shattila Ekadashi – Saturday, January 25, 2025

Parana: Sunday, January 26 | 07:15 AM – 10:51 AM
Significance: Especially powerful for those praying for a spiritually-minded child. Putrada means "giver of offspring." Also helps in securing good health and fortune.

Ekadashi in February

Bhaimi Ekadashi – Saturday, February 8, 2025

Parana: Sunday, February 9 | 07:08 AM – 10:50 AM
Significance: Involves using sesame seeds (til) in six ways (bathing, eating, donating, etc.) to purify sins. Bestows spiritual and material wealth and removes negative karma.

Vijaya Ekadashi – Monday, February 24, 2025

Parana: Tuesday, February 25 | 06:55 AM – 10:45 AM
Significance: Grants victory over lower desires and sinful activities. Observing Jaya Ekadashi ensures freedom from ghostly forms and elevates one toward the spiritual realm.

Ekadashi in March

Amalaki Ekadashi – Monday, March 10, 2025

Parana: Tuesday, March 11 | 06:41 AM – 08:16 AM
Significance: Bestows victory in spiritual and material life. Lord Rama observed this Ekadashi before building the bridge to Lanka.

Papamochani Ekadashi – Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Parana: Thursday, March 27 | 6:23 AM – 10:29 AM
Significance: Worship of the Amla tree and Lord Vishnu. It is also closely connected to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Offers deep spiritual cleansing.

Ekadashi in April

Kamada Ekadashi – Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Parana: Wednesday, April 9 | 06:08 AM – 10:22 AM
Significance: Frees one from the consequences of past sins. An ideal Ekadashi to seek forgiveness and renew one’s commitment to bhakti.

Varuthini Ekadashi – Thursday, April 24, 2025

Parana: Friday, April 25 | 05:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Significance: Fulfillment of spiritual desires. Particularly potent for purifying offenses and desires that obstruct spiritual advancement.

Ekadashi in May

Mohini Ekadashi – Thursday, May 8, 2025

Parana: Friday, May 9 | 05:43 AM – 10:10 AM
Significance: Protects one from misfortune and provides spiritual stability. Ideal day for prayers related to long-term goals in bhakti.

Apara Ekadashi – Friday, May 23, 2025

Parana: Saturday, May 24 | 05:35 AM – 10:08 AM
Significance: Removes illusion and delusion. Lord Krishna spoke about this to Yudhishthira. A great day to beg the Lord for clarity and devotion.

Ekadashi in June

Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi – Saturday, June 7, 2025

Parana: Sunday, June 8 | 05:32 AM – 07:20 AM
Significance: “Apara” means boundless. Fasting on this day grants immense spiritual merit and freedom from offenses.

Yogini Ekadashi – Sunday, June 22, 2025

Parana: Monday, June 23 | 05:34 AM – 10:11 AM
Significance: The most austere Ekadashi—complete fast without water. Following it sincerely gives the benefit of all 24 Ekadashis. Observed by Bhima.

Ekadashi in July

Devshayani Ekadashi – Sunday, July 6, 2025

Parana: Monday, July 7 | 05:39 AM – 10:14 AM
Significance: Destroys bodily and mental diseases. Recommended for those seeking healing and relief from karmic burdens.

Kamika Ekadashi – Monday, July 21, 2025

Parana: Tuesday, July 22 | 05:46 AM – 07:08 AM
Significance: Begins Chaturmasya, the four holy months. Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in Kshira Sagar. Devotees make vows of austerity.

Ekadashi in August

Pavitra Ekadashi – Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Parana: Wednesday, August 6 | 05:54 AM – 10:20 AM
Significance: Highly purifying. Worship of Tulsi Devi is recommended. Removes offenses and grants mercy of Lord Hari.

Annada Ekadashi – Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Parana: Wednesday, August 20 | 06:01 AM – 10:20 AM
Significance: Closely associated with Raksha Bandhan and Lord Krishna’s worship. Best day for surrendering impure thoughts.

Ekadashi in September

Parshva Ekadashi – Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Parana: Thursday, September 4 | 06:08 AM – 10:20 AM
Significance: “Annada” means one who gives food. Excellent for improving health and freeing oneself from poverty (physical and spiritual).

Indira Ekadashi – Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Parana: Thursday, September 18 | 06:14 AM – 10:18 AM
Significance: Lord Vishnu turns in His sleep. Also known as Vamana Ekadashi. Very auspicious for starting new devotional vows.

Ekadashi in October

Papankusha Ekadashi – Friday, October 3, 2025

Parana: Saturday, October 4 | 06:21 AM – 10:17 AM
Significance: Offers liberation to departed ancestors. Best for performing pinda-daan and remembering loved ones.

Rama Ekadashi – Friday, October 17, 2025

Parana: Saturday, October 18 | 06:28 AM – 10:17 AM
Significance: Destroys sins and offenses. Devotees pray for inner reform and focus on Nama Sankirtan.

Ekadashi in November

Devotthana Ekadashi – Sunday, November 2, 2025

Parana: Monday, November 3 | 06:38 AM – 10:20 AM
Significance: Observed in honor of Lord Ramachandra. Grants peace, patience, and loyalty in bhakti.

Utpanna Ekadashi – Saturday, November 15, 2025

Parana: Sunday, November 16 | 09:12 AM – 10:23 AM
Significance: Tulsi Vivaah and end of Lord Vishnu’s rest. Very special day for spiritual marriages and new resolutions.

Ekadashi in December

Mokshada Ekadashi – Monday, December 1, 2025

Parana: Tuesday, December 2 | 06:59 AM – 10:31 AM
Significance: Marks the appearance of Ekadashi Devi. Excellent for devotees new to fasting or bhakti.

Saphala Ekadashi – Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Parana: Wednesday, December 17 | 07:09 AM – 10:38 AM
Significance: The Bhagavad Gita was spoken on this day. Praying for liberation and wisdom is highly recommended.

Putrada Ekadashi – Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Parana: Thursday, January 01 | 07:16 AM – 10:46 AM
Significance: Gates of Vaikuntha open! One of the most important Ekadashis. Attending temple darshan early morning is highly auspicious.

Why Do ISKCON Devotees Fast on Ekadashi?

ISKCON, founded by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, emphasizes Ekadashi as a powerful spiritual observance. Fasting on this day purifies one’s karma, burns past sinful reactions, and brings the mind closer to Krishna. According to Padma Purana and Bhavishya Purana, observing Ekadashi grants liberation and devotion.

Devotees avoid grains, beans, and certain spices on Ekadashi because these foods are believed to be impure and tamasic during this time. Instead, they consume fruits, nuts, milk, and Ekadashi-special prasadam.

Ekadashi at ISKCON Temples

On Ekadashi, all ISKCON temples organize:

• Special aarti and kirtan programs

• Extra rounds of Hare Krishna mantra japa

• Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavatam classes

• Ekadashi prasadam distribution

• Nighttime bhajans and vigil (on certain Ekadashis like Nirjala)

Some temples host Jagannath snan yatra, Gita Jayanti, or Vaikuntha Dwara darshan on special Ekadashi dates.

Tips for Observing Ekadashi in 2025

1. Mark all Ekadashi dates on your calendar.

2. Prepare in advance to avoid grains and prohibited items.

3. Wake up early, chant at least 16 rounds (if initiated), or chant as many as you can.

4. Read or listen to Ekadashi-related pastimes of Lord Vishnu.

5. Break the fast next morning during the prescribed parana time.

Benefits of Fasting on Ekadashi

• Cleanses the body and mind

• Increases sattvic (pure) energy

• Strengthens devotion and willpower

• Frees from sins and material attachments

• Pleases Lord Krishna and Vishnu

Conclusion

Observing Ekadashi as per the ISKCON calendar 2025 is not just about fasting—it's a sacred opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with Lord Krishna. By aligning with the Vaishnava calendar and engaging in devotion, we honor a timeless spiritual tradition that purifies the soul and pleases the Lord.

Hare Krishna! May your Ekadashi vrat bring you closer to Krishna this year.