Rangbhari Ekadashi 2024: Date, Auspicious Timings And How It Is Celebrated In Kashi

Rangbhari Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun, as per the Hindu calendar. As per beliefs, the purpose of the Ekadashi fast is to worship Lord Vishnu while Rangbhari Ekadashi is connected to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In Kashi, special worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is performed on the festival of Rangbhari Ekadashi, according to astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt of Kashi.

According to the Vedic calendar, this year Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi Tithi is starting from 12:21 AM on Wednesday, March 20. This Tithi is valid till 02:22 AM the next day, Thursday, March 21. Based on Udayatithi, this time Rangbhari Ekadashi is on Wednesday, March 20. According to beliefs, when Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati, he came to the city of Kashi for the first time on Falgun Shukla Ekadashi. During that time, their devotees welcomed him and Goddess Parvati with colours. Since then, Rangbhari Ekadashi is celebrated every year on Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi.

In Kashi, Lord Shiva along with Goddess Gauri rides in a palanquin and goes out for a tour of the city. On the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, special worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri is done in Kashi Vishwanath temple. Amalaki Ekadashi is also celebrated on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, where Lord Vishnu and the Amla tree are worshipped. Brahma Muhurat on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi is from 04:50 AM to 05:37 AM. The auspicious time on that day is from 06:25 AM to 09:27 AM.

On this year’s Rangbhari Ekadashi, Ravi Yoga and Pushya Nakshatra coincide. The hours of Ravi Yoga are 06:25 in the morning until 10:38 at night. In contrast, Pushya Nakshatra occurs from dawn to 10.38 AM. Atigand Yoga is offered on Rangbhari Ekadashi from sunrise till 5:01 PM, following which is Sukarma Yoga. Ravi Yoga eliminates all flaws and defects.

Devotees should do abhishek of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati first thing on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi. Offerings to Lord Shiva should therefore include fruits, flowers, cow’s milk, Ganga water, hemp, Dhatura, sandalwood, Akshat, and Belpatra. Next, they should present Goddess Parvati with flowers, almonds, vermillion, turmeric, fruits, candies, makeup, etc.