Discover the Why and How of Ekadashi Fasting

You are here: Home > Discover the Why and How of Ekadashi Fasting

Upcoming Ekadashi:

06^th September 2022 (Parsva Ekadashi)

We do not fast for pleasing God. Fasting is done for ourselves, for our own body detox, for cleansing the body. - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi in Sanskrit, “Eka” is one, “dashi” means ten. Ekadashi means “Eleven”. It is the eleventh lunar day (tithi) between the New Moon and Full Moon. It falls three days before the full moon or new moon day. There are usually 24 Ekadashis in a calendar year. Occasionally, there are two extra that happen in a leap year, depending on the Moon cycle. It is believed that if you fast on Ekadashi and then on Full Moon day, you will not have any illnesses.

What Is the Importance of Ekadashi?

The moon affects the water element in the creation. For example – high tides are higher during full moon nights. As more than 60% of the human body is made up of water, the Moon has an influence on the body. Anything that influences the body influences the mind as well. The toxins in the human body get aggregated during a full moon and a new moon. When the stomach is kept empty these toxins and all the undigested food in the body get cleared. Hence, it was suggested by our ancestors to fast on Ekadashi, to cleanse the body. It is also considered a very good time for spiritual practices.

Is Fasting Done to Please God?

People misunderstand fasting to be something done for God. According to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, we must understand that we are not doing it for God. God is like our mother or our father; would they like it if we stay hungry? Or if we bargain with them saying that we will fast until they accept our demands? Parents know when to give what to their children; they know better than us. Similarly, God knows what and when to give us, so we shouldn’t fast for God but fast to cleanse our body and mind.

How to Fast?

• Do not eat fried food and foods high in calories such as potatoes.
• Do not eat grains.
• Have fluids such as water, fruit juices.
• Have fruits, salads etc.
• Keep the stomach light, preferably empty.

This change in food intake during a fast eliminates the toxins in the body, which could otherwise cause diseases. One should understand their ‘dosha’ type or the regulating forces of nature for them to observe a fast. Thus fasting done rightly on Ekadashi would enable us to turn our awareness inward and go deep in our Sadhana.

Special Fasting Recipes

Enjoy a list of curated recipes below, to augment your fasting experience. Feel fresh and energized as you cleanse and replenish your body! 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cold watermelon chunks
• 8 mint leaves

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: 10 minutes

Method:

1. Run the blender at medium speed and drop chunks of watermelon through the feed hole one at a time until they are well integrated.
2. Add the mint and run the blender at medium speed for 1 minute until the watermelon has liquefied.
3. Strain into a bowl with a pouring lip.
4. Pour into goblets, garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

Adapted from: whfoods.org

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tea spoon honey
• 1/8 tea spoon saffron
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10 almonds

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: 10 minutes

Method:

1. Soak the almonds overnight in water. Peel in the morning.
2. Add all the ingredients except honey in a thick bottom vessel with milk. Keep stirring constantly to prevent the milk from sticking to the pan till it boils. Pour into glass and add honey.
3. Serve piping hot.

Adapted from: joyfulbelly.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups non-fat plain organic yoghurt
• 1 cup organic fresh mango pulp (the pureed flesh of about 2 mangoes)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 4–5 threads saffron, soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 teaspoon chopped pistachios

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: 15 minutes, plus draining and chilling time

Method:

1. Pour the yoghurt into a muslin - or cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl. Let it drain for 3 to 4 hours, to remove excess liquid.
2. Pour the mango pulp into a second sieve to remove most of its liquid.
3. Combine the mango and the yoghurt in a dry bowl. Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar, cardamom, and saffron threads - mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover, and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Serve in individual dessert bowls, topped with a sprinkling of pistachios.

Adapted from: myyogakitchen.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups non-fat plain organic yoghurt
• 1 cup organic fresh mango pulp (the pureed flesh of about 2 mangoes)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 4–5 threads saffron, soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 teaspoon chopped pistachios

Difficulty level: Medium

Time needed:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan. Add mashed sweet potatoes and sauté for 12-15 mins.
2. Add grated coconut, cardamom powder, almonds and cashews, raisins and brown sugar. Mix it well.
3. Keep stirring until the mixture comes together as a single mass.
4. When the mixture is still warm, shape them into small balls.
5. Put grated coconut on a plate and roll the balls over it.
6. Place them in the fridge for 10-15 mins and serve.

Adapted from: manjulaskitchen.com

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber peeled and cut in small cubes to make about 2 cups
• About 8 mint leaves
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (adjust to taste)
• Sea salt to taste
• Black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Brown sugar to taste (optional)
• Ice cubes to serve (optional)

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: 10 minutes

Method:

1. In a blender, puree the cucumber, mint, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Use the spoon to press the solids to take out all the juice. There will be about 1 - 1/4 cups of cucumber juice.
2. Add the lime juice. Mix it well.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour the cucumber drink.
4. Cucumber cooler is ready to be served. Enjoy!

Adapted from: manjulaskitchen.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cantaloupe cut into small pieces
• 3 - 4 strawberries cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup yoghurt
• Brown sugar (optional)
• 2 teaspoons ginger juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1 cup crushed ice

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: 10 minutes

Method:

1. Put the cantaloupes and strawberries in a blender and process them at high speed until smooth.
2. Add yoghurt, orange juice, ginger juice and brown sugar (optional). Blend until everything is mixed well.
3. Add ice and blend at high speed until there is no ice and the smoothie is a little frothy. Pour into glasses and serve.

Adapted from: manjulaskitchen.com

We are waiting to know your experience of Fasting!