Ever heard your grandma say, “Today is Ekadashi, don’t eat rice!” and wondered what the big deal is? Whether you’re a curious millennial, a fasting devotee, or just someone who loves Indian traditions, this post breaks down everything about Ekadashi in June 2022—minus the confusion, plus some clarity (and a dash of storytelling).
What Is Ekadashi, Really?
Let’s start simple: Ekadashi means the 11th day of the lunar cycle—both in the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon. That makes it happen twice a month.
But it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a sacred day in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. People fast, pray, and try to purify their mind and body. Some go fully without food or water, while others skip grains and salt. It’s about discipline, devotion, and—believe it or not—digestion.
Ekadashi Dates in June 2022
In June 2022, there were two Ekadashi days:
1. Nirjala Ekadashi – June 10, 2022 (Friday)
This is the Iron Man of all Ekadashis. Nirjala means “without water”, and this fast is one of the strictest—no food, no water, just prayers and self-control.
If someone missed other Ekadashis in the year, observing Nirjala Ekadashi was said to cover for all of them. It’s considered very powerful for spiritual growth and blessings.
Key timings:
- Ekadashi tithi began: June 09, 4:21 PM
- Ekadashi tithi ended: June 10, 6:20 PM
- Paran (fast breaking): June 11 morning after sunrise
2. Yogini Ekadashi – June 24, 2022 (Friday)
This one’s less intense but equally important. Yogini Ekadashi is about healing—physically and spiritually. According to Hindu mythology, it helps get rid of sins and past karma.
It’s especially beneficial for those facing health issues or emotional setbacks.
Key timings:
- Ekadashi tithi began: June 23, 9:41 AM
- Ekadashi tithi ended: June 24, 8:07 AM
- Paran: June 25 morning
What Do People Actually Do on Ekadashi?
Here’s where the modern twist comes in. People observe Ekadashi in different ways:
Some fast strictly, skipping all food and water.
Some eat fruits and milk, avoiding rice, grains, and salt.
Some just stay off social media, read spiritual texts, and spend time reflecting.
Prayers to Lord Vishnu, visiting temples, and donating food to the poor are also common. It’s less about being perfect and more about being intentional.
Why June’s Ekadashis Mattered More in 2022
Here’s what most blogs don’t tell you.
Nirjala Ekadashi in June 2022 was extra significant because it fell on a Friday—a day traditionally linked to Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. Double the blessings.
Yogini Ekadashi, meanwhile, came just before a major planetary transition in Vedic astrology. Many spiritual practitioners used it to cleanse energy before new beginnings.
This stuff wasn’t covered in the top blog posts we reviewed (DrikPanchang, Hindutsav, India Today), which mostly stuck to dates and didn’t explore the why behind the rituals. That’s where this post goes further—helping you connect the tradition to your life.
Quick Note on Science and Fasting
Believe it or not, ancient traditions knew a thing or two about gut health. Fasting twice a month (like on Ekadashi) can help give your digestive system a break. It’s no surprise that modern intermittent fasting sounds a lot like what our ancestors were already doing.
Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Skipping Rice
Ekadashi isn’t just a “don’t eat this” day—it’s a reset button. It’s a pause. Whether you fast strictly or just light a diya, it’s a moment to step back from the noise.
In June 2022, Nirjala and Yogini Ekadashi reminded many of us to check in—with ourselves, our health, and our habits. And let’s be real: in a world that’s always online, a little spiritual timeout never hurts.
