Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly
auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from
food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for
many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and
observe only a partial fast.
It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and
Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore
devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.
Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments –
observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food
items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. The most preferred
Ekadasi fasting food in western parts of India is Sabudana Khichadi with
potatoes and ground nut - but no onion and garlic.
The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and
dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts.
As the list of Ekadasi food expands there will be new issues cropping up
like – Are you sure this can be consumed on Ekadasi?
So the golden rule is avoid pulses and grains on Ekadasi.
Drink lots of water and eat fresh and dried fruits.
In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to Brahman. So
forget about the rules and regulations and what you are going to gain from the
Ekadashi fast. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body.