DIWALI

Deepavali
              or Diwali, popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-November for different reasons. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes
                        The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.

Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman
have several significant events associated with Diwali:

• The return of Rama after 14 years of Vanvas (banishment). To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) were lit in rows of 20.

• The killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Deepavali, it commemorates the killing of the evil demon Narakasura, who wreaked havoc. Krishna's wife Satyabhama killed Narakasura during the Dwapara yuga. In another version of the belief, the demon was killed by Krishna or Krishna provoked his wife Satyabhama to kill Narshna, defeating Indra.

• Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Deepavali and is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. According to the story, Krishna saw preparations for an annual offering to Lord Indra and asked his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He said that all human beings should do their 'karma' to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan and held it up to protect the people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme

• Other events associated with Diwali include:
  
  • Return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).
  .
  Deepavali celebrations are spread over five days, from Dhanteras to Bhaiduj. In some places like Maharashtra it starts with Vasu Baras. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar. The days are:

1. Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras (27 Ashvin or 12 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Go means cow and vatsa means calf. Dwadashi or Baras means the 12th day. On this day the cow and calf are worshiped. The story associated with this day is that of King Prithu, son of the tyrant King Vena. Due to the ill rule of Vena, there was a terrible famine and earth stopped being fruitful. Prithu chased the earth, who is usually represented as cow, and ‘milked’ her, meaning that he brought prosperity to the land.
2. Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras or Dhanwantari Triodasi (28 Ashvin or 13 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Dhana means wealth and Trayodashi means 13th day. This day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is considered an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold, hence the name ‘Dhana’. This day is regarded as the Jayanti (Birth Anniversary) of God Dhanvantari, the Physician of Gods, who came out during Samudra manthan, the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons.
3. Naraka Chaturdashi (29 Ashvin or 14 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Chaturdashi is the 14th day This was the day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas, Rajasthan : Roop Chaudas). In southern India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up before dawn, have a fragrant oil bath and dress in new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends.
4. Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvin or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.
5. Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja (1 Kartika or 1 Shukla Paksha Kartika) : In North India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also called Annakoot, and is celebrated as the day Krishna – an incarnation of god Vishnu – defeated Indra and by the lifting of Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. For Annakoot, large quantities of food are decorated symbolizing the Govardhan hill lifted by Krishna. In Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami. The day commemorates the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over the demon-king Bali, who was pushed into the patala. In Maharashtra, it is called as Padava or Nava Diwas (new day). Men present gifts to their wives on this day. It is celebrated as the first day of the Vikram Samvat calender, in Gujarat.
6. Yama Dwitiya or Bhaiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2 Kartika or 2 Shukla Paksha Kartika): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). It is based on a story when Yama, lord of Death, visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna). Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together. Yama gave a gift to Yami while leaving as a token of his appreciation. So, the day is also called 'YAMA DWITIYA'. Brothers visit their sisters’ place on this day and usually have a meal there, and also give gifts to their sisters.

 Lakshmi Puja

Deepavali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India. Farmers give thanks for the bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and is the last major celebration before winter. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.
There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan. The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of the big three Vishnu, the incarnation he assumed to kill the demon king Bali. On this day, Vishnu came back to his abode the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi receive the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.
As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Vishnu, Indra, Kubera, Gajendra and Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:

• Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.
• Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
• Kubera: Wealth (generosity; one who shares wealth)
• Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
• Gajendra: Carries the wealth

AVANI AVITTAM

                Avani Avittam (Tamil: ஆவணி அவிட்டம்) refers to the day corresponding to the Śravishthā nakshatra ("Avittam" in Tamil) of the Śrāvana month ("Avani" in Tamil) of the Hindu calendar when Brahmins ritually change their Yajñopavītam ("Poonool" in Tamil/Malayalam) every year accompanied by relevant Srauta "upakarma" rituals. The day, also called Śrāvana Pūrnima (full moon day of the Śrāvana month) in other parts of India, usually occurs the day after the Śravana nakshatra (which marks the Onam festival of Kerala). The next day, usually coinciding with the raksha bandhan festival in northern and central India, the Gayatri Mantra is recited 1008 times.

                                In 2010, Avani Avittam occurred on August 23/24 (depending on the span of the tithi & nakshatra). Brahmins belonging to the Sama Veda however do not perform the upakarma rituals or change their Yajñopavīta on Śrāvana Śravishthā (i.e. Avani Avittam) but rather on Bhādra chaturthi (the fourth day of the month of Bhādra/Bhādrapada, which is also known as Prosṭha/Prosṭhapada).Shukla Yajurvedic bramhins of North India&Orissa do upaakarma in the preveous day if Purnima spans two days(shukla chaturdashi yukta Purnima

What is done

1. Kamo Kaarsheed Japam
Early in the morning after sandya vandanam/samitha daanam(for bachelors only) Kamo Karsheeth Japam is performed for 1008 times, to relive one of the deeds/sins done with or without one's knowledge and to get oneself ready for the maha sankalpam, .. and finally the Vedharambam.
2. Maha Sankalpam

This is a social / community activity, where all the brahmans gather on a river bank and do the sankalpam for getting rid of all the sins, etc.. and they mention different rivers, Gods, templs etc.. to specify their geographical location and then whether it be Caveri / Vaihai / Krishna they have a shower. After this everyone wears silk or new clothes (if available), etc.. and get ready for the grand ceremony.

3.Yagnopaveetha Dharanam
This is to rejuvenate and refresh one's spiritual energy and make oneself, eligible for the Veidc (Sroutha,Smartha Nithyanushtana Yogyatha) rituals , one changes the sacred thread and removes the old one saying it is old, broken (jeernam, kasmala, dhooshitam). There are 2 achamanams prescribed for this, - one for wearing a new poonal and another for removing the old one.
4. Kandarishi Tharpanam

Kanda rishis represent the rishis or sages for each chapter or kandas in the Vedas (Soma,Agni,Prajapathi, ..) and each of those Vedic rishis are given water / rice (tharpanam). People, who do not have their father alive, also do pithru tharpanam and thus this ritual ends.

5. Kandarishi Homam
In places where they do it elaborately with a Purohitar, they also do this, by first chanting Punyaha Vaachanam, and then invoking all the Kanda rishis, 7 rishis (Athri...) in the kumbam and then, invoking all of them int he fire and offering havis, kshana dandam (mixture of all fruits..,appam,sundal..) and offering it in the fire. after that Jayadi homam is performed.
6. Vedarambam
Officially, the Adhyayanam or Vedic classes start with vedarambam and critical lines /s tanzas (like Agni Meelee..) are chanted + Maheswara Suthram, etc... After this the rishis are thanked, offered naivedyam, karpooram.. and everyone, disperses tot heir homes, chanting the Vedas.
This is a more than 20000 years old tradition, which is preserved until today.
The first step is a 'prayashchita', A prayer to atone the sins. It says, "For the removal of all my sins and thereby to secure a divine blessing and for qualifing myself to perform the essential duties of Brahmanas as prescribed in the vedas and smritis and adopted by the really good in their conduct I put on this Yagnopavita (the sacred thread).
Then a new Yagnopavita is worn. When the thread is worn another mantra is recited which means -"I put on the sacred thread which is highly pure, is inseparable from God, is capable of prolonging life and is the foremost in the accomplishment of a Brahmana. May such pure Yagnopavita bring strength and dignity."
While removing the old thread, the mantra means -"I throw away the broken dirty old thread, may the new one bring on long life and Brahmana's brilliance."

Procedure of Avani Avittam

• First the Rishi Tharpanam (offering prayers to the ancient Rishis) is read out.

• Brahmin bachelors perform 'Samitha Daanam' and 'kamo karshith japam' after Mahasankalpam.

• Thereafter, Kaanda Rishi tharpanam is performed with the help of family priest or elders.

• As per the rituals, all the male members should have a light meal at night.

• Next day after an early bath, 'Gayathri Japam' is read out by everyone. Thereafter, Appam & Idli are served.

• Green Gram, Dhal or Kondai Kadalai Sundal are offered as Neivedhyam for the Homam (Fire ritual).

• The Homam is performed either in the house or in temples and the Arti is performed after everyone returns home.

• Naivedyam - Payasam, Vada, Gingely seeds, Rice. The other items that are served on this day are Curd Pachadi, Kosumalli Curry, Koottu, Pitlay, buttermilk, soup, rasam, dhal and chips, appalams.

Inner meaning
This day is also auspicious as the Brahmins offer libations of water to their ancestors to whom they owe their birth and to the great Rishis to whom they are highly indebted for spiritual knowledge and the Vedas themselves

Aadi perukku

                Apart from people flocking at the waterfalls sources of Western ghats for PreMonsoon and Monsoon festivals, welcomes the much-awaited monsoon along riverside and lake filled areas. People living on the banks of the river beds and other important water generation sources offer pujas to the water goddess and river god. For Adiperukku every year so that when nurseries are raised in the fields subsequently and sustained north- east monsoon. The crop will be ready for harvest during Thai Pongal Celebration in 5 months duration.

According to the Tamil calendar, Aadi is the fourth month of the year. The first day of this month, usually falling on July 16, is celebrated as Aadi Pandigai or Aadi Pirappu, which is an important festival to most Tamils, especially newly-weds.

The most visible manifestation of the month of Aadi is the huge 'kolams' that are painstakingly patterned early each morning in front of houses. They are usually bordered with red 'kaavi' and across the front doorway at the top are strung mango leaves. The first of the month is marked with a special puja, followed by a feast with 'payasam' prepared with coconut milk, 'puran poli' and vadai. Traditionally, the family of a 'pudhu maappillai' (new son-in-law) is invited to the girl's house, where the couple is gifted new clothes and other presents.


Aadi is a month of fervour and observances in Goodess related to Water-forces and Natural forces (e.g. Maria Amman temples, Mundakanni amman temples etc.) where prayers and pujas are offered to propitiate the powerful goddesses and seek their protection from the inauspicious aspects that are often associated with the month. No weddings or other similar functions are celebrated during Aadi. It is during this time that the monsoon peaks on the west coast and the rivers of Tamil Nadu, shrunken in the summer heat, get replenished, often to near full levels.

The 18th day of Aadi, usually August 3, is observed as 'Aadi Perukku', a day of offerings. and prayers to these rivers, which mean so much to the lives and prosperity of the people. The day is an occasion for rejoicing particularly for those living on the banks of the all the main rivers, its branches and tributaries.

Whole families go the river bank and offer puja. There is a belief that young girls who do this puja offering Kaadholai (earrings made of palm leaf), Karugamani (black beads) and Kaapparisi (a sweet made of hand pounded rice and jaggery) will be blessed with good husbands. The families spend the evening by the river, eating preparations of rice like puliyodharai, lemon rice etc. Playing to the tune of Adiperukku folk songs and Kummi by group by young women are the major attractions during this festival

Monsoon festivals of South India

Adiperukku is a unique South Indian and specially a Tamil state festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi (mid July). The festival coincides with the annual freshes of the rivers and to pay tribute to water's life-sustaining properties. It is celebrated near river basins, water tanks, lakes and wells etc. of Tamil Nadu when the water level in the rises significantly heralding the onset of Monsoon
Adiperukku, water ritual through religious practice: In India the rivers Ganges and Yamuna, Cauvery and Godavari are considered sacred. Just like the earth gives us food, water is considered as a sacred necessity to meet the needs of individuals. People began to worship water in the form of wells, tanks and rivers. It is common among people to throw fruits, saffron cloths, etc., when the rivers and lakes are in spate purely based on the belief that these rivers are the species of female deities. Similarly every temple has sacred wells and tanks, and water in these resources are considered pure. There are cultural developments of the society that highlight many variations on the theme of primeval water which shows that water culture and civilization represent human interest with sacredness.

Adiperukku, otherwise called Padinettam Perukku – is peculiar to the all the perennial river basins of Tamil Nadu and major lakes/ water source areas and is intended to celebrate the water rising levels due to the onset of monsoon, which is expected to occur invariably on the 18th day of the solar month, Aadi corresponding to the 2nd or 3 August every year. Hence "Padinettam perukku" - Padinettu signifies eighteen, and Perukku denotes rising. This festival is observed predominately by women in Tamil Nadu. The Adiperukku, as a water-ritual, celebrated by women is said to honour Nature.

The association of this ritual with fertility, sex and reproduction is both natural and human. This water ritual practice is performed on the banks of Rivers, which is described as a rice-cultivation tract. The history of this ritual practice dates back to the ancient period and was patronised by the Kings and royal households. This ritual practice existed in various historical periods. Aadi is the month for sowing, rooting, planting of seeds and vegetation since it is peak monsoon time when rain is showered in abundance.

Adiperukku, celebrated for paying respect and tribute to the life sustaining force of water. This festival also welcomes the onset of the much-awaited monsoon. People living on the banks of the rivers offer special pujas to the river.

EKADASHI

                                     Ekadashi (Sanskrit for eleven; also spelled as Ekadasi) or Agyaars is the eleventh (11th) lunar day (Tithi) of the shukla (bright) or krishna (dark) paksha (fortnight) of every lunar month in the Hindu calendar (Panchang). In Hinduism  it is considered a spiritually beneficial day. Scriptures recommend observing an (ideally waterless) fast from sunset on the day prior to Ekadashi to 48 minutes after sunrise on the day following Ekadashi.
                      Two Ekadashis occur in one month according to different positions of moon. One Ekadashi also coincides with the times when the Moon is the closest to Earth (perigee) and the times when it is farthest from the Earth (apogee) . These are also the times of high tide and low tide respectively. During Ekadashis in the Krishna paksha, the Moon is at its closest to the Earth and during Ekadashis in the Shukla paksha at its farthest from the Earth.
Bhagavata Purana (sk. IX, adhy. 4) notes the observation of Ekadashi by Ambarisha, a devotee of Vishnu.

Vaikunta Ekadashi s or Mukkoti Ekadashi
                                           is the Ekadashi that occurs in the Hindu calendar month of Marghazhi or Margashira or Margashirsha (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha shukla paksha ekadashi in lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. People also know that as a vaikunta ekadashi. However vaikunta ekadashi in Sri Rangam Temple (Tamil Nadu) is in the solar margashira month (Margazhi).
Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day.

Legend         

               According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikunta Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year. However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Sukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.                                           Lord opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his abode) for two demons in spite of they being against the Lord. They also asked for the boon that who ever listens to their story and see the image of Lord coming out of the door (called Dwar) called Vaikunth Dwar they reach Vaikunth as well! Temples all over the India makes a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to pass through that.
                          According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu slayed demon Muran and protects `Devas'. Impressed by the act, Lord Vishnu names her as `Ekadashi' and gives her the boon that those who worship `Ekadashi' on the day of her victory over Muran would reach `Vaikunth' (His abode).
In Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita - the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the beginning of Kurukshetra War is said to have occurred on this day.

Ekadashi (Sanskrit: एकादशी, ekādaśī, "eleven"), also spelled as Ekadasi, is the eleventh (11th) lunar day (Tithi) of the shukla (bright) or krishna (dark) paksha (fortnight) of every lunar month in the Hindu calendar (Panchang). In Hinduism it is considered a spiritually beneficial day. Scriptures recommend observing an (ideally waterless) fast from sunset on the day prior to Ekadashi to 48 minutes after sunrise on the day following Ekadashi.


Two Ekadashis occur in one month according to different positions of moon. One Ekadashi also coincides with the times when the Moon is the closest to Earth (perigee) and the times when it is farthest from the Earth (apogee) . These are also the times of high tide and low tide respectively. During Ekadashis in the Krishna paksha, the Moon is at its closest to the Earth and during Ekadashis in the Shukla paksha at its farthest from the Earth.


Bhagavata Purana (sk. IX, adhy. 4) notes the observation of Ekadashi by Ambarisha, a devotee of Vishnu.

 In Srirangam

            Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrations in Srirangam—foremost of Vaishanvite Shrines, lasts 21 days and is divided into two parts of pagal pathu (morning part) and Ira pathu (night part). Lord Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha is adorned is an armor of diamonds (rathnaangi) and is brought to the Thousand-Pillared Hall from the sanctum sanctorum through the northern gate known as Paramapada Vasal, the gate to the heaven. This gate is opened once in a year, only on the Vaikuntha Ekadashi day.

 In Tirupati

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also has a similar concept. Thirumala has a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. The dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadashi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikunta Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation. The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikunta Ekadashi.
Agrahayana or Margashirsha , (Hindi: अगहन agahan, मार्गशीर्ष )
                               is a month of the Hindu calendar and Tamil calendar. In India's national civil calendar, Agrahayana is the ninth month of the year, beginning on 22 November and ending on 21 December. Since Vedic times, this month is known as Maargashirsha after the Nakshatra (asterisms) Mrigashirsha. In Tamil, the month is known as Maarkazhi.
The word agrahayan means the month of ayan or equinox (agra=first + ayan = travel of the sun, equinox). The aligning of this name with the Mrigashira asterism (lambda orionis), gives rise to speculation that this name may have been given when the sun was near Orion at the time of vernal equinox, i.e. around 7000 years ago.
In lunar religious calendars, Agrahayana may begin on either the new moon or the full moon around the same time of year, and is usually the ninth month of the year.
In solar religious calendars, Agrahayana/Maarkazhi begins with the Sun's entry into Sagittarius, and is usually the ninth month of the year.
In the Vaishnava calendar, Keshava governs this month.

Hindus observe 24 11th-day fasts during the course of the Hindu year, although some are more important than others. Each Ekadashi is held in honor of a different Hindu legend and has specific religious duties associated with it. Eating rice, however, is prohibited on all Ekadashi. According to legend, a demon was born of the sweat that fell from Brahma's head on this day, and Brahma instructed it to inhabit the rice grains eaten by people on Ekadashi and to turn into worms in their stomachs.

Rules for keeping Ekadashi Upvaas:

•One should not eat rice, gingelly oil,urad daal etc.

•If possible, one should stay on water-Drinking luke warm water or lemon-mishri (crystalized sugar) water is very good as it cleanses the hidden undigested food in the body.

•If one feels hungry, then one can take milk or fruit.

•Fruit should not be eaten with milk (therefore no strawberry shake, mango shake, chickoo shake etc.).

•One should not eat food like "sabudana", potato chips, fried food, etc. Also Banana is not recommended on this day since it is heavy to digest.

•One should think that he/she is keeping this vrat to please God & to progress further in "sadhana".

•One should observe self-control.

•One should do more of maun-japa (repeating the name of God in mind) in the day time.

•One should do more of Dhyan & Bhajan by keeping awake for a longer time in the night

Ekadashi Calendar 2011 - Ekadasi Fasting Dates in different months in the year 2011"

Ekadasi 2012

January 5, 2012 – Shattila Ekadashi – Satila Ekadasi - Vaikunta Ekadasi

January 19, 2012 – Putrada Ekadasi 

February 3, 2012 - Jaya Ekadasi - Bhoumi and Bheeshma Ekadasi

February 17, 2012 – Vijaya Ekadashi

March 4, 2012 – Amalaki Ekadasi – Amalki Ekadashi

March 18, 2012 – Papmochani Ekadasi 

April 3, 2012 – Kamda Ekadasi – Kamada Ekadashi

April 16, 2012 – Varuthini Ekadashi

May 2, 2012 – Mohini Ekadasi 

May 16, 2012 – Apara Ekadashi
May 31, 2012 – Bhim Ekadasi – Bhima Nirjala Ekadasi

June 15, 2012 – Yogini Ekadasi

June 30, 2012 – Devshayani Ekadashi – Sayana Ekadasi - Ashadi Ekadasi

July 14, 2012 – Kamika Ekadasi

July 29, 2012 - Pavitra Ekadasi – Putrada Ekadashi

August 13, 2012 – Aja Ekadasi – Annada Ekadashi

August 27, 2012 - Padmini Ekadasi - Adika Masa Ekadasi

September 12, 2012 - Kamla Ekadasi - Adika Masa Ekadasi

September 26, 2012 – Parivartini Ekadashi – Parsava Ekadasi 

October 11, 2012 – Indira Ekadasi

October 25, 2012 - Pasankusa Ekadashi

November 10, 2012 – Rama Ekadasi

November 24, 2012 – Prabodini Ekadasi – Uttahana Ekadashi

December 9, 2012 – Uttpatti Ekadashi  (Smarta)

December 10, 2012 - Uttpatti Ekadasi (Bhagavat)

December 23, 2012 – Mokshada Ekadasi  - Vaikunta Ekadasi

December 24, 2012 - Mokshada Ekadasi (Bhagavat only for some communities)

Ekadasi 2013

January 8, 2013 - Saphala Ekadasi