Parswa Paribartan Ekadashi

Parswa Paribartan Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Bhadrapada month (August-September). 'Parswa Paribartan' means 'turning to the side,' referring to Lord Vishnu turning from right to left while sleeping during Chaturmas. It is associated with the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu.

According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu reclines on the serpent Sheshnag during the four months of Chaturmas. On Parswa Paribartan Ekadashi, he turns from his right side to his left, signalling the approaching end of his cosmic rest. This turning is celebrated because it marks the beginning of Vishnu's return to active engagement with the universe. The day is also linked to the Vamana avatar, where the dwarf Brahmin took three cosmic steps to reclaim the three worlds from the demon king Bali.

In Odisha, devotees celebrate this Ekadashi with elaborate Vishnu puja, offering special prayers that acknowledge the Lord's watchful care even during his period of rest. The Tulsi Vivah ceremony is sometimes performed on this occasion, symbolising the sacred union of the tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu. Devotees fast without grains and break the fast on Dwadashi with great devotion, grateful for the Lord's eternal protection.