The tithi will be starting from 12:21 AM on Wednesday, March 20.
The Rangbhari Ekadashi is observed on Sukhla Paksha in the month of Phalgun.
Rangbhari Ekadashi, a significant day in Hindu culture, is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm across the country. Falling on the 11th day during the waxing phase of the moon in the Phalguna month, this auspicious occasion holds great importance for devotees.
As per Hindu beliefs, Rangbhari Ekadashi is observed during Sukhla Paksha in the month of Phalgun as per the Vedic calendar. This year, following the Gregorian calendar, Rangbhari Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, March 20. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 12:21 AM on Wednesday and concludes at 2:22 AM on the following day.
Legend has it that on this day, after their wedding, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited the city of Kashi for the first time. Their devotees welcomed the divine couple with vibrant colours, hence the name “Rangbhari” Ekadashi.
Astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram from Ayodhya has shed light on the significance of the tithi during Rangbhari Ekadashi. Due to its occurrence at midnight, performing puja becomes complex. Therefore, Pandit Kalki Ram suggests following the Udayatithi, wherein the Ekadashi fast is observed on March 20.
Traditional rituals associated with Rangbhari Ekadashi include waking up during Brahma Muhurta, the auspicious time before dawn and taking a bath. Devotees then adorn clean attire and perform Jalabhishek, offering water to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
During the puja ceremony, devotees offer 16 shringar (ornaments) to the deities along with gulal (colour), sandalwood and belpatra (wood apple leaves). Following this, an aarti is conducted and the katha (narrative) is recited, narrating the significance of the day.
Additionally, Rangbhari Ekadashi coincides with Amalaki Ekadashi, another auspicious occasion. The tithi for Amalaki Ekadashi commences from 04:50 AM to 05:37 AM on Wednesday.
As devotees prepare to observe Rangbhari Ekadashi, they engage in these rituals with utmost devotion, seeking blessings from the divine couple for prosperity and well-being. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and spirituality in Hindu culture, fostering a sense of unity and reverence among devotees.