Question 1

Why are there two Ekadashis in a month?

Accepted Answer

Each lunar month has two pakshas — a waxing half and a waning half — and Ekadashi is the 11th day of both, so it occurs once in each.

Question 2

Do I have to fast on Ekadashi?

Accepted Answer

No — fasting is a personal or family tradition, not a requirement. Many people observe it in whatever way fits their own practice, from a full fast to simply avoiding certain foods.

Question 3

Is Shukla Ekadashi different from Krishna Ekadashi?

Accepted Answer

Both fall on the same tithi (11th) but in different pakshas — Shukla (waxing moon) Ekadashi is generally considered more widely observed, though both are recognized.

Question 4

How is today's Ekadashi determined?

Accepted Answer

It's calculated from the Moon's position relative to the Sun at your location's sunrise, not looked up from a fixed table — so the exact time it begins and ends can vary slightly by city.

Question 5

What happens if Ekadashi falls across two days?

Accepted Answer

The tithi prevailing at local sunrise is treated as that day's Ekadashi, following the same sunrise-based rule used for the rest of the Panchang.