This one was a big one. It wasn’t easy at all, and there were many times I thought I couldn’t do it. But somehow, I did! One funny challenge along the way? One of the Ekadashis fell on the second day of Christmas!

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is a sacred fasting day in the Vedic calendar that occurs twice a month, on the 11th day of the waxing and waning moon. In the Bhakti tradition, Ekadashi is considered a special day of devotion, a time to deepen one’s spiritual practice, chant more, and avoid grains and beans. Some devotees follow a light fasting method, eating fruits and nuts, while others take it more strictly—only drinking water or even going completely dry (nirjala).

Why Did I Take on This Challenge?

I’ve been in the Bhakti tradition for more than 10 years, and I was always quite responsible about Ekadashi. But from around 2021 until the end of 2023, I started breaking it accidentally and not taking it very seriously. I felt like I was losing my connection to this important practice, so I decided to set a challenge for myself: one full year of only water fasting on all Ekadashis—no exceptions.

And guess what? I was even born on an Ekadashi! Maybe that’s why I felt called to strengthen my commitment.

What’s Next?

The challenge is over, but my approach to Ekadashi has changed. There have already been three Ekadashis since I completed my goal, and for two of them, I still fasted on just water. Moving forward, I’ll continue to take Ekadashi seriously, fasting either with water or with simple foods like vegetables and fruits.

This journey reminded me why discipline in spiritual practice matters. Sometimes, we let things slide, thinking it’s not a big deal. But when we commit, we rediscover the depth and power behind these traditions.

On to the next challenge! 🚀