Devshayani Ekadashi 2021: Date, Time, Vrat Vridhi, Significance; Here’s everything you need to know

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Maha Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi or Prathama Ekadashi, is one of the most important days of the Hindu community and is auspicious for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated just after the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra and falls in the month of June or July, according to the English calendar.
Devshayani Ekadashi date and time:
Devshayani Ekadashi 2021 will be observed on Tuesday, July 20,2021. Ekadashi Tithi begins at 09:59PM on July 19,2021 and will end at 07:17PM today. Devotees, who observe Devshayani Ekadashi fast, must break the Vrat between 5:36AM to 8:21AM.
Devshayani Ekadashi significance:
According to Hindu mythology, Devshayani Ekadashi is the day when Lord Vishnu goes into a state of deep meditation for four months. It is believed that he rests on Shesh Naag in the bed of Kshirasagara and during his absence, Lord Shiva looks after the entire universe.
Moreover, Devshayani Ekadashi also marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, which includes Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik months. It is to be noted that no auspicious ceremonies like weddings, engagements, tonsuring, housewarming and naming ceremonies are planned during Chaturmas.
Some of the prominent Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Diwali, Shravan Somwar and Navratri are celebrated during these four months. As per the beliefs, people who observe Ekadashi Vrat with devotion are blessed with a successful and happy life.
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi:
On Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (two hours before sunrise), take a bath and practice dhyana or meditation. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a fast and chant ‘OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ Mantra to seek his blessings. People adorn Lord Vishnu in bright yellow clothes and offer prayers with water, flowers and bhog. Bhog can be fruits, sweets or any other Sattvic food preparation.
People seek forgiveness for any wrong deeds while observing the fast and also donate food and essential items to poor and less privileged people. You must break the Vrat or complete the Parana rituals by consuming only Sattvic food (pure vegetarian food without onion, garlic or any other heat-generating or strong-flavoured ingredient).
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/devshayani-ekadashi-2021-date-time-vrat-vridhi-and-significance-1830243-2021-07-20