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Ekadesi
The fast comes twice every month and falls on the 11 the day of the moon.
Both men and women observe it. It is in honour of Vishnu. People bathe
in the morning, worship in the Vishnu temple and fast the whole day. There
are some people who do not take anything but a few drops of water poured
over a Tulasi plant, sacred to Vishnu, and dripping from its leaves. Others
content themselves with one meal and that too, not of rice. Early next
morning, i.e. on Dwadesi, the 12th lunar day, they bathe and worship in
the temple, obtain Prasadam or leavings of offerings, put sandal paste
to their forehead, breast and arms and then break the fast. The more devout
feed a few Brahmans and give them money. The Ekadesi is a day specially
set apart for the worship of Vishnu. People offer Puja to Vishnu on this
holy day, to ensure the forgiveness of sins and the gratification of all
one's wishes.
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