Devshayani Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Harh, is when Vishnu is said to go to sleep for four months. For Punjab's Hindu families it closes the season of weddings until the autumn, and opens Chaumasa, the rainy months. The Ekadashi fast is kept, and Vaishnav temples lay the image to rest. Sawan follows, with its swings and the festival of Teeyan.
The story
The god's sleep lasts until Devuthani Ekadashi in Kattak. In the months between, monks stay in one place and householders take small vows.
The four months also frame the farmer's year: the paddy is transplanted now, and nothing is celebrated until it is cut.
How it is kept
- VratNo grain; fruit and milk.
- ShayanThe image of Vishnu is put to bed with a prayer.
- No savaNo weddings or housewarmings are fixed after this day.
- TulsiThe tulsi is worshipped at dusk.
Why this date
Devshayani Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of Harh (Ashadh), on the day it is present at sunrise, placed so that the fast is broken during Dwadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday | |
| 2026 | Saturday | |
| 2027 | Wednesday | |
| 2028 | Sunday | |
| 2029 | Saturday | |
| 2030 | Thursday |
More Punjabi festivals
29 JulyGuru Purnimaਗੁਰੂ ਪੂਰਨਿਮਾ
28 AugustRakhriਰੱਖੜੀ
19 AprilAkshaya Tritiyaਅਕਸ਼ੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਆ
14 AprilVaisakhiਵਿਸਾਖੀ
2 AprilHanuman Jayantiਹਨੂੰਮਾਨ ਜਯੰਤੀ
4 SeptemberJanam Ashtamiਜਨਮ ਅਸ਼ਟਮੀ
Where to see Devshayani Ekadashi
In Punjab
- Durgiana Temple, AmritsarPunjabThe Lakshmi Narayan temple, centre of Vaishnav worship in the city.
- Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, BeasPunjabOn the river named for Vyas, a place of gathering in the monsoon months.
- ChandigarhChandigarhThe city's ISKCON and sector temples keep every Ekadashi.
Across India
- PandharpurMaharashtraAshadhi Ekadashi and the end of the great pilgrimage on foot.
- BadrinathUttarakhandVishnu's Himalayan seat, open only in the summer months.
- PuriOdishaThe gods in gold on their chariots.