Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Jyeshtha month (May-June). It is the most difficult Ekadashi -- 'nirjala' means 'without water.' It is associated with Bhima, who was unable to observe all Ekadashis. Sage Vyasa advised this single powerful fast instead, equivalent to all 24 Ekadashis.

The Mahabharata narrates that Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas, was distressed because he could not observe the Ekadashi fasts as his brothers did. He approached Sage Vyasa, who told him that if he observed just one Ekadashi -- Nirjala -- without consuming any food or water for the entire day, he would gain the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Bhima endured the gruelling fast and was blessed by Lord Vishnu, who appeared before him and granted divine protection. This Ekadashi is thus also known as Bhima Ekadashi.

In Odisha, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the ultimate test of devotion and willpower. Devotees rise before dawn, take a ritual bath, and spend the entire day in prayer without any food or water. The fast is broken only the next morning on Dwadashi after a ritual bath and Vishnu puja. Those who observe this fast are believed to be freed from all sins and granted a place in Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu.