Varuthini Ekadashi, also called Baruthani Ekadashi is celebrated annually on every 11th lunar day in the Hindu calendar. It is a holy day of the Hindus when Lord Vishnu, specially his fifth avatar Vamana is worshipped. On this day devotees keep fast for an entire day to seek his blessings.
This year, Varuthini Ekadashi is observed on April 30. It is observed during Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month according to north Indian Purnimant calendar and Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month as per the South Indian Amavasyant calendar. Though, both North Indian and South Indian observe it on the same day.
On this day, devotees observe fast by avoiding beans, wheat, rice and pulses. They can have water, milk, fruits, sabudana, sweet potato, potato, groundnuts and chestnuts. Donations and all charitable actions are done to please one's ancestors, the gods and all living beings.
As per the drikpanchamg.com, Varuthini Ekadashi Timings are as follows:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 10:04 PM on April 29, 2019
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 12:18 AM on May 01, 2019
Breaking Ekadashi fast - 06:44 AM - 8:32 AM on May 01, 2019
Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. The most preferred time for breaking the fast is Pratahkal (morning). Breaking the fast during Madhyahna (afternoon) should be avoided. If due to some reasons, one is not able to break the fast during morning, then it can be done in the after-noon.
Next year, Varuthini Ekadashi will be observed on April 18, 2020. It is believed that whoever observes a complete fast on this day has their sins forgiven and also achieves happiness and good fortune.
Devotees worship Lord Vishnu, especially his fifth avatar Vamana on Varuthini Ekadashi. All-night vigils and prayers, singing of devotional songs and hymns alongside family members is also important part of the sacred day.
Devotees also abstain from sexual activity, speaking ill of others, eating meat, masura gram, chickpea, spinach, honey, eating more than necessary, from the day before Ekadashi.
