Indira Ekadashi

Festival falling on the eleventh day
(ekadashi) of the dark (waning) half
of the lunar month of Ashvin
(September–October). As with all the
eleventh-day observances, this is dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, on this
day in his form as the Shalagram. Most
Hindu festivals have certain prescribed
rites, usually involving fasting (upavasa)
and worship, and often promise specific
benefits. This ekadashi falls during the
pitrpaksha, the fortnight dedicated to
the ancestors, and faithfully observing
this festival day is believed to result in
the rescue of millions of one’s forebears
from woeful incarnations and bring
them rebirth in heaven. The name
“Indira” is an epithet of Lakshmi,
Vishnu’s wife.