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Special feature of this Ekadashi is the fast that is observed on this day. On this day people observe fast. It starts from the sunset that comes one day before Ekadashi and lasts for 48 minutes after the sunrise the day following the Ekadashi. People have to follow a very strict fast on this day they are not allowed to eat any kind of beans, grains, cereals and there are even certain vegetables that they are not supposed to eat.
On Ekadashi it is observed that the moon is very close to the earth this is called as perigee and when the moon is far away from the earth it is called as the Apogee. This represents the high and low tides in the sea.
Legends have observed that the Ekadashi which comes in Krishna Paksha, the moon is close to the earth and the Ekadashi that comes in the Shukla Paksha it is far away from the earth. There are two very important Ekadashis celebrated. They are Kartika Ekadashi and Ashadha Ekadashi.
Ashadha Ekadashi
This Ekadashi is very important Ekadashi according to the Hindu calendar as this is celebrated in the month of Ashadh. This day is significant for the Varakari in Maharashtra state. This is considered as more of a religious procession festival celebrated in the month of June -July. There are two 11th day of Ekadashi in every month that is found very auspicious.
Ashadha Ekadashi is a day that is to be observed by fast and on this day people from far away go walking in a big procession go walking to Pandharpur. On their way to Pandharpur they sing Abhangas devoted to saint Tukaram and saint Dnyaneshwar to have a visit of god Vitthal. There are thousands of people participating in this procession that leads to worship the god Vithoba and consort Rukmini. The devotees of Lord Vitthal believe that He sleeps on this day for the next four months till Kartiki Ekadashi. These four months are colloquially called chatur Maas. This four month are considered as sacred rituals and rights.
Kartik Ekadashi
Karthika Ekadashi is celebrated in the eight month of Kartik according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This day is considered as auspicious for both the lords, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Karthika Ekadashi is a traditional festival that is devoted to Lord Shiva. People of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka celebrate this festival with great devotion and dedication. This is celebrated during the full moon day of Kartik month. On this day lord Vitthal awakes from his four month sleep. Like Ashadha Ekadashi oodles of votaries of Lord Vitthal known as Varkaris gather in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
Traditional food
On this day fast has to be observed so they are very few dishes that are allowed to eat and they are as follows sabudaana wada, pizza potato, sabut aloo, paneer mazedaar, hare nariyal ki chutney, peanut curry, stuffed bananas, sabudaana khichdi, sweet patio kheer, sweet patato kap, varai khichdi, sago milkcake and paneer delight.
Ekadashi is very important and main festival for all the Hindus. This is observed by the Vaishnavas and sometimes also observed by the non- Vaishnavas.
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