Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Chaitra (usually March–April). The wish-fulfilling Ekadashi, just after Holi; frees one from misdeeds.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Chaitra |
| Usual season | March–April |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | The wish-fulfilling Ekadashi, just after Holi; frees one from misdeeds. |
The story of Kamada Ekadashi
The Padma Purana relates the Kamada katha as told by Krishna to Yudhishthira. A gandharva named Lalit, devoted to his wife Lalita, was cursed by a king to become a fearsome man-eating rakshasa after a lapse in his court singing. Grief-stricken, Lalita approached a sage, who advised her to observe the Kamada Ekadashi fast and dedicate its merit to her husband. She kept the vrat with full faith, and by its power Lalit was released from the curse and restored to his celestial form.
Significance
Falling just after Holi at the start of the year's lunar cycle, Kamada means 'the fulfiller of desires'. It is traditionally believed to burn away accumulated sins and grant sincere wishes, and is especially associated with release from curses, spells and long-standing afflictions. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Shukla paksha of Chaitra.
Observers worship Lord Vishnu, hear or read the Kamada katha, and keep a day-long fast that is broken (paran) on the following Dwadashi.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Kamada Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Kamada Ekadashi?
Kamada Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Chaitra, usually in March–April. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Kamada Ekadashi?
Falling just after Holi at the start of the year's lunar cycle, Kamada means 'the fulfiller of desires'. It is traditionally believed to burn away accumulated sins and grant sincere wishes, and is especially associated with release from curses, spells and long-standing afflictions.
What is the story behind Kamada Ekadashi?
The Padma Purana relates the Kamada katha as told by Krishna to Yudhishthira. A gandharva named Lalit, devoted to his wife Lalita, was cursed by a king to become a fearsome man-eating rakshasa after a lapse in his court singing.
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.