Ekadashi Parana Time — Break Your Fast Correctly
Parana time for New Delhi ·
Today's Parana Time
What is Parana?
Parana is the act of breaking an Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day). It is not simply eating after the fast — it must be done within a specific time window determined by astronomical calculations. The word "Parana" means "completing" or "concluding" the vrat. Without proper Parana, the Ekadashi fast is considered incomplete, and its full spiritual merit may not be attained.
How Parana Time is Calculated
The Parana window is determined by two key astronomical factors:
- •Hari Vasara Ending: The first quarter of Dwadashi tithi is called Hari Vasara. Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. The Parana window opens after Hari Vasara ends.
- •Dwadashi Tithi End: Parana must be done before Dwadashi tithi ends. If Dwadashi ends very early, the window can be narrow.
- •Sunrise Constraint: Parana cannot be done before sunrise on Dwadashi, even if Dwadashi tithi has already started.
In cases where Dwadashi is very short or Hari Vasara extends past a significant portion of the day, the Parana rules become complex and location-dependent. This is why astronomically computed Parana times for your specific city are essential.
Rules for Parana
Break the fast after sunrise on Dwadashi — never before sunrise, even if Dwadashi tithi has started.
Ensure you are within the Parana time window. Check the computed time for your city above.
First consume a Tulsi (holy basil) leaf with water. This is the traditional way to initiate Parana.
Then have grain-based food — rice, roti, khichdi. The whole point of Parana is to resume eating grains.
If you miss the Parana window, continue fasting until the next day's eligible Parana time. Do not break the fast outside the window.
What to Eat First During Parana
- 1.Tulsi leaves with water — the first thing to consume, with reverence to Lord Vishnu
- 2.Light grain food — simple khichdi, plain rice with dal, or a light roti with sabzi
- 3.Avoid heavy meals immediately — after a full day of fasting, the digestive system needs time to restart
- 4.Avoid tamasic food — even after breaking the fast, avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food for the rest of Dwadashi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ekadashi Parana?
Parana is the act of breaking an Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day). The word "Parana" literally means "completing the fast." It must be done within a specific astronomical time window determined by the ending of Hari Vasara and Dwadashi tithi. Properly timed Parana is essential — it completes the cycle of the vrat and grants its full merit.
What if I miss Parana time?
If you miss the Parana window on Dwadashi, the traditional rule is to continue fasting until the next day's Parana time. This is a serious dharmic consideration. To avoid this, always check the Parana time the evening before and set an alarm. The Parana window typically opens after sunrise and can be as short as a few hours.
Can I break Ekadashi fast at night?
No. Ekadashi fast should always be broken during the Parana window on Dwadashi, which falls after sunrise. Breaking the fast at night on Ekadashi itself defeats the purpose of the vrat. If Dwadashi begins after midnight, you still wait until after sunrise on Dwadashi to break the fast within the proper Parana window.