Gujarati Panchang CHAITRA SAMVAT 2071 = MARCH 21, 2015 TO APRIL 18, 2015

March 21, 2015 - Panchak, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Navratri Begins, Chetti Chand Din
March 22, 2015 - Gan Gauri Trij,
March 23, 2015 - Vinayak Chauth
March 24, 2015 - Shri Panchmi

March 27, 2015 - Durgashtami
March 28, 2015 - Chaitra Navratri Ends, Ram Navami

March 31, 2015 - Kamda Ekadashi
April 1, 2015 - Pradosh, Anang Teras

April 3, 2015 - Vrat ni Poonam, Good Friday
April 4, 2015 - Hanuman Jayanti
April 5, 2015 - Easter Sunday

April 8, 2015 - Sankat Chauth

April 12, 2015 - Kalashtami

April 14, 2015 - Minarak Kumurta Ends, Panchak
April 15, 2015 - Panchak, Varuthini Ekadashi
April 16, 2015 - Panchak, Pradosh
April 17, 2015 - Panchak
April 18, 2015 - Panchak

Kamada Ekadasi Vrat

Kamada Ekadasi is the first Ekadashi in a Hindu year and considered to be the most auspicious among all the Ekadashi rituals. Also known as Kamda Ekadashi, this Ekadashi falls in the month of Chaitra during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) according to the traditional Hindu calendar.

 

The followers of this ritual believe that observing a fast on this day will assist in getting rid of all sins and guilt that are a result of lust and help in regaining and increasing virtue. Apart from the washing of the sins, observing this Ekadashi vrat is also believed to bless a couple with a son, those desiring for one since a long time.

How To Observe Kamda Ekadashi Vrat
The story of Kamada Ekadashi dates back to a couple named Lalit and Lalitha. While Lalit was a Gandharva, Lalitha was an apsara. Exceptionally good dancers and singers, the couple performed in the court of King Pundarika in Ratnapur.

 

On one occasion, Lalit was asked to deliver a solo performance but he loved his wife so much that this separation could just not be tolerated. Hence, Lalit made numerous mistakes in his performance. The king was informed about this, thanks to one of the courtiers. Irritated, the king cursed Lalit for being overwhelmed by his wife’s love. Lalit was turned into an ugly looking demon.

The king thought that Lalitha would dump his demon husband. Instead, Lalitha immediately came to the king and informed that she would never forsake her husband come what may. The couple set out to find a solution to this curse.

 

One day, they passed by an ashram of Sage Sringi. The entire tale was retold to the sage who then asked the couple to observe the Kamada Ekadashi vrat on this day. As directed, the couple observed the fast and thus, Lalit was relieved from the curse and returned to his normal self. Hence, all religious Hindu devotees observe this vrat on the pretext of getting their desires and wished fulfilled while getting their sins washed away.

 

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat

 

Varuthini Ekadashi takes place on the 11th day during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Chaitra/Vaisakha in the traditional Hindu calendar. In the North Indian calendars, this Ekadashi is observed during the Krishna Paksha in Adhik Vaisak month while in other regions, it is practiced in the Chaita Krishna Paksha.

 

The followers of Varuthini Ekadashi vrat believe that by observing the Varuthini Ekadashi fast, they can successfully cleanse their sins and seek blessings of happiness, prosperity and wealth. Some even consider that they can attain the ability of performing various types of charities.

 

How To Observe Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat

The Hindu women regard Varuthini Ekadashi vrat to be highly significant as they believe the vrat is a step towards a fortunate phase of life. Also, those observing this fast will be successfully blessed with salvation or ‘Moksha’.

 

The day before Varuthini Ekadashi is known as Dashami day. Devotees who are considering observing a fast refrain themselves from consuming food made from urad dal, red lentils, chickpeas, spinach, kondo and honey. On this day, a single meal is taken. Also no meals are served on a bell metal plate.

 

Apart from abstaining from certain foods, devotees also restrict themselves from indulging in gambling and sex. On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, the day is spent at home reciting Holy Scriptures, such as Bhagavada Purana, and conversing with people is kept at minimum. Rice, onion, spinach, and betel nuts and leaves are avoided. People usually keep awake during the daytime and at night as well.

 

On the day after Varunithi Ekadashi, known as Dwadasi day, the same schedule is followed as that on Dashami. Men keep away from shaving while everyone observing the vrat avoid an oil bath.