Introduction
Indira Ekadashi is a significant observance in Hindu tradition, observed annually during the Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors. In 2024, Indira Ekadashi falls on Saturday, September 28. This sacred day is deeply intertwined with the spiritual belief of aiding the souls of deceased loved ones in their journey toward liberation, or Moksha, through fasting, prayers, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Let’s delve into the details of Indira Ekadashi 2024, including its date, timings, rituals, and the spiritual importance it holds for millions of Hindus worldwide.
Indira Ekadashi 2024: Date and Timings
The date and timings of Indira Ekadashi are calculated based on the Hindu lunar calendar. The eleventh day of the lunar fortnight, known as Ekadashi, holds special spiritual significance, with Indira Ekadashi occurring in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period dedicated to ancestors, and the observance of Ekadashi during this time enhances the belief in honoring the deceased.
According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the following times are set aside for the commemoration of Indira Ekadashi in 2024:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 1:20 PM on September 27, 2024.
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 2:49 PM on September 28, 2024.
Parana Time (time to break the fast): From 6:13 AM to 8:36 AM on September 29, 2024.
Dwadashi End Moment: 4:47 PM on September 29, 2024.
It is crucial to observe the Parana (breaking the fast) within the stipulated time, as missing this period could diminish the spiritual merit accumulated during the fasting ritual.
The Significance of Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi stands out among the 24 Ekadashis observed annually because it occurs during the Pitru Paksha, also known as the fortnight of ancestors. This period is dedicated to performing Shradh (rituals for the deceased) and Tarpan (offerings of water and food) to one’s forefathers, with the intention of bringing peace and helping them attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). According to Hindu beliefs, Pitru Paksha is the time when the gates of the heavens open for the souls of ancestors to accept the prayers and offerings made by their descendants on Earth.
Ekadashi, as a whole, is already considered a sacred day for worshiping Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. Indira Ekadashi enhances the sanctity of this day by aligning it with ancestral reverence. Observing a fast on Indira Ekadashi is believed to not only bring the devotee closer to the divine but also aid in the salvation of deceased family members, ensuring their soul’s journey toward peace and liberation in the afterlife.
Spiritual Beliefs and Rituals Associated with Indira Ekadashi
In Hinduism, fasting is considered a way to cleanse both the body and the soul. Fasting on Ekadashi is viewed as a way to transcend physical needs, enabling the devotee to focus entirely on spiritual practices, such as japa (repetition of God’s name), dhyana (meditation), and bhakti (devotion). It is believed that observing the Ekadashi vrat (fast) helps eliminate sins and purify the soul, preparing it for divine connection with Lord Vishnu.
During this time, people perform rituals for the deceased called Shradh and offer food and water to their ancestors, known as Tarpan, in an effort to bring them calm and help in their achieving Moksha, or freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Fasting: On this day, the majority of followers keep a strict fast. While some may choose to abstain from all food and water (Nirjala vrat), others may consume fruits and milk (Phalahar vrat). Regardless of the type of fast, the aim is to disconnect from worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual enlightenment.
Shradh and Tarpan: Since Indira Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha, performing Shradh rituals is considered highly auspicious. Shradh involves offering food, clothing, and other essentials to Brahmins or poor people in the name of the deceased ancestors, symbolizing that the offerings are received by the souls of the departed.
Worship of Lord Vishnu: Devotees pray to Lord Vishnu, often through the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) or other devotional hymns. The fasting and worship are considered ways to earn the Lord’s grace, and it is believed that Vishnu’s blessings can free the devotee and their ancestors from the karmic cycle of life and death.
Donations and Charity: It is customary to offer donations on this day, as giving to the needy is believed to enhance the blessings received from observing the vrat. Food, clothes, and money may be donated in honor of the ancestors, helping to secure peace for their souls.
Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)
Every Ekadashi has a vrat katha, which is a mythology that explains the meaning of the fast. The story associated with Indira Ekadashi is recounted from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the major Puranic texts in Hinduism. According to this legend, King Indrasena, a pious ruler, once found himself troubled by the thought that his father’s soul was stuck in Yamaloka (the abode of Yama, the god of death), suffering due to unresolved karmic debts.
In his distress, Indrasena sought advice from Narada Muni, the divine sage and messenger of the gods. Narada, moved by the king’s devotion and concern for his father, traveled to Yamaloka to inquire about the condition of Indrasena’s father. Yama, the god of death, confirmed that the king’s father was indeed trapped in Yamaloka due to sins he had committed during his lifetime.
To alleviate his father’s suffering, Narada advised King Indrasena to observe the fast of Indira Ekadashi with utmost devotion. The king, obeying Narada’s counsel, observed the fast and performed the necessary rituals with full faith. As a result, his father’s soul was freed from Yamaloka and attained Moksha.
This story highlights the immense power and efficacy of observing Indira Ekadashi, particularly for those who wish to assist their deceased ancestors in finding peace and liberation.

Indira Ekadashi offers a powerful lesson in Hindu dharma (religion and duty). The concept of karma (the law of cause and effect) and rebirth is central to Hindu philosophy, with Moksha being the ultimate goal—a release from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The fasts and rituals associated with Ekadashi are believed to contribute to the purification of the soul, allowing devotees to progress on their spiritual path and attain divine grace.
For Hindus, the idea of caring for one’s ancestors, even after their death, is a deeply ingrained duty known as Pitru Rina (debt to the ancestors). This debt can be repaid by performing the necessary rites during Pitru Paksha, and observing Indira Ekadashi is an essential part of this process. By fasting and performing Shradh, devotees not only earn blessings for themselves but also help the souls of their deceased ancestors move closer to salvation.
The observance of Indira Ekadashi reflects the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual worlds in Hindu thought. It emphasizes that the actions and rituals performed in the present life can impact the fate of those who have passed on. By making offerings and prayers, devotees express their gratitude to their forefathers and acknowledge their role in the continuing cycle of life.