Kamada Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of moon
in March/April. It is said in the scriptures that observing Kamada Ekadasi will
help in getting rid of sins and increasing virtue. The greatness of this
Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in
the Varaha Purana. In 2012, the date of Kamada Ekadashi is April 3.
Legend has it that a Gandharva was unable to perform his
duties when his wife was not around. This Gandharva was overpowered by lust and
thus failed in his duties and was cursed by a King to become a cannibal. The
Gandharva and his wife roamed the forests and one day the wife came across a
Sage, who advised them to undertake Kamada Ekadashi fasting for getting rid of
the curse.
The Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadashi and the
husband was freed from the curse.
On the Ekadashi day, most Vishnu devotees fast and some
devotees keep vigil at night. Those people undertaking partial fasting abstain
from food made of rice.