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 August is also known as Pavitropana Ekadashi and Pavitra Ekadashi that fell on 27th August this year (2023). On this day couples fast and pray to Lord Vishnu to beget a child; and those who have children they pray for the wellness of their kids.
Originally considered only to beget male child, now it is followed to beget either male or female child. On this occasion giving gifts to Brahmins in the form of money, food, clothes etc. is also an accepted practice. 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.
Galavant Reflections 