Tue Nov 12 07:58:50 UTC 2024: ## Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024: Auspicious Occasion for New Beginnings

**New Delhi, India:** Dev Uthani Ekadashi, a significant Hindu festival marking the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month slumber, will be observed on **November 12, 2024**. This auspicious day heralds the start of new beginnings and the resumption of auspicious events after a period of abstinence.

According to the Hindu calendar, Dev Uthani Ekadashi will commence on the evening of **November 11th at 6:42 PM** and conclude on **November 12th at 4:04 PM**. The fast is observed on November 12th and broken on November 13th.

**Observances and Significance:**

* **Fasting:** The traditional practice is a complete fast with only water intake. However, elderly, sick, and children can partake in a single-meal fast with fruits.
* **Worship:** Devotees are encouraged to worship Lord Vishnu or their chosen deity, chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
* **Avoiding Certain Practices:** Avoid breaking Tulsi leaves, instead offering them a red cloth and lighting a lamp beneath the plant. Refrain from consuming rice and maintaining a calm mind.

**Rituals:**

* **Ganne ka Mandap:** Create a temporary structure with sugarcane stalks, and construct a square (chowk) with rice flour in the center. Place a picture or statue of Lord Vishnu in the chowk.
* **Awakening Lord Vishnu:** On the morning of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, devotees use conch shells, bells, and devotional songs to wake Lord Vishnu. Some communities utilize thalis (plates) or drums to achieve this.
* **Offerings:** Offerings of sugarcane, singhada (water chestnut), fruits, and sweets are presented to Lord Vishnu. A ghee lamp is lit and kept burning throughout the night.
* **Katha & Mangal Karya:** After the awakening ritual, devotees listen to the narrative of Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Subsequently, all auspicious events such as weddings and housewarming ceremonies can commence.

**Note:** Refrain from consuming tamasic food (onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, stale food) on this day.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks a significant day in the Hindu calendar, bringing with it a renewed spirit of optimism and the promise of prosperity.

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