28 October 2024 is Rama Ekadasi, Govatsa Dwadasi, Vasubaras & Waghbaras. Rama Ekadasi falls in Krishna Paksha of Kartik month as per North Indian Hindi calendars and in Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month (Ashwayuja masam) as per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu & Kannada Panchangams.
Rama Ekadasi vrat katha and the importance of this observance are mentioned in the Brahma Vaivartha Purana as a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhistira.
Govatsa Dwadasi is a festival dedicated for Gopuja (cow worship). Nandini Vrat is the main ritual to observe on Govatsa Dwadasi.
Vasubaras in Maharashtra and Waghbaras in Gujarat have the similar rituals as Gopuja and Nandini Vrat.
The pujas and rituals of Diwali will begin with Govatsa Dwadasi Puja.
On Rama Ekadashi, devotees typically engage in several rituals:
- Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, perform a holy bath, and clean their worship area. They then set up an idol or image of Lord Vishnu for worship.
- Puja (Worship): The puja involves offering water (abhishek), flowers, and sweets to Lord Vishnu. Panchamrit (a mixture of five ingredients) is also offered during the ceremony.
- Recitations: Devotees recite prayers like Vishnu Sahastranaam and perform aarti (a ceremonial light offering) in the evening.
- Fasting: Participants observe a strict fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sunrise on Dwadashi (the twelfth day following Ekadashi), which is referred to as Parana. The recommended time for Parana this year will be between 05:55 AM and 08:13 AM on October 29, 2024.
Auspicious Timing
The auspicious time for performing puja on Rama Ekadashi is noted to be around 6:30 AM on October 28. Additionally, this year features rare astrological combinations that are believed to enhance the benefits of fasting and worship during this time
.In summary, Rama Ekadashi is a day of deep spiritual significance characterized by fasting, rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and opportunities for devotees to seek forgiveness and blessings for a prosperous life.