For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
For prologue on Ekadasi, go to the very first post here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. 🙂
The second Ekadasi for the month of May is Apara Ekadasi which occurred on Monday April 15th this year (2023). Again this is celebrated in honor of Lord Vishnu. “Apar” means limitless and hence believed that the followers are showered with abundance and unlimited wealth, health and success.
As I mentioned in the very first Ekadasi post, if you put the religion aside, allowing your body to fast twice a month is an excellent way of cleansing and detoxifying to aid in repair and rejuvenation. Reciting of Vishnu Sahasranamam (hymns praising the Lord), visiting Lord Vishnu’s temple, performing pooja and offering flowers and sweets are some common traditions followed on this day.
Galavant Reflections 