In Hinduism, each month of the year holds special religious and spiritual significance. One such month is Jyeshtha Maas, considered the month of penance, service, and charity. In 2025, Jyeshtha Maas began on May 13th and will end on June 11th. The charity and fasting undertaken during this month's scorching afternoons and heatwaves not only purify the body but also cleanse the soul. This is why fasting, penance, charity, and pilgrimage bathing hold special importance during this month. Let's learn about four major fasts and festivals observed during this month, considered extremely auspicious from a spiritual perspective.
Apara Ekadashi – May 23, 2025 (Friday)
The Apara Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Jyeshtha month. In 2025, this auspicious date falls on May 23rd, a Friday. Special yogas like "Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga" and "Amrita Siddhi Yoga" coincide on this day, further enhancing the significance of the fast. This fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and observing it is believed to absolve all life's sins and bestow merit. This day is considered highly auspicious for self-purification and spiritual advancement.
On Apara Ekadashi, the observer should wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise), bathe, wear clean clothes, and perform puja (worship) of Lord Vishnu. Offer Tulsi leaves, fruits, water, and a lamp during the puja. Light a ghee lamp and chant the "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra. Refrain from consuming grains on this day and have a single light meal of fruits.
Observing the fast with complete faith and devotion is believed to grant salvation (moksha) and bring happiness and peace to the life of devotees.
Vat Savitri Vrat – May 26, 2025 (Monday)
Vat Savitri Vrat is a special and revered festival for married women. This fast is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Jyeshtha month, which falls on May 26th, 2025, a Monday. The "Somavati Amavasya" yoga also coincides, increasing the significance of this fast. This fast is observed for sacred love, devotion, and the long life of the husband. Women observe a complete nirjala (waterless) fast, praying for their husband's happiness, prosperity, and well-being.
On this day, women worship the Vat (banyan) tree. They circumambulate the tree with raw thread, and listen to the story of Savitri and Satyavan. The banyan tree is believed to be the abode of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh – the three principal Hindu deities. Vermilion (sindur), turmeric (haldi), uncooked rice (aksha), flowers, fruits, and sweets are used in the puja. This fast strengthens marital life and blesses women with unbroken marital happiness.
Ganga Dussehra – June 5, 2025 (Thursday)
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the Dashami tithi (tenth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Jyeshtha. It is believed that the sacred Ganga river descended to earth on this day. Bathing in the Ganges River on this day is believed to wash away all sins and lead to salvation (moksha). In 2025, this festival will be celebrated on June 5th. This year, Ganga Dussehra falls under the Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra and Siddha Ravi Yoga, making it even more auspicious. Therefore, worshipping God and bathing in the Ganges River on this day brings special benefits.
If bathing in the Ganges River is not possible, one should bathe with Ganga water at home. Also, donating Sattu (roasted gram flour), jaggery, water, clothes, and fans to the poor and needy is considered highly meritorious on this day. Setting up a water station (pyaoo) in a public place or providing water to thirsty people also bestows great merit. Such charity yields benefits for lifetimes and brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to life. Therefore, charity is considered a very auspicious act on Ganga Dussehra.
Nirjala Ekadashi – June 6, 2025 (Friday)
The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in Jyeshtha is called Nirjala Ekadashi. On this day, devotees observe a complete nirjala fast, without water or food, for the entire day. It is considered the most difficult fast, as even water is not consumed. This fast is also called Bhimasena Ekadashi, as Bhima of the Mahabharata observed this fast with great devotion. In 2025, this fast will be observed on June 6th, Friday. Nirjala Ekadashi is of great importance because it is believed that if a person is unable to observe all the other 23 Ekadashis, they can gain the same merit by observing this one Ekadashi.
On this day, devotees perform special worship of Lord Vishnu and meditate wholeheartedly. Nirjala Ekadashi is a path to purifying the soul and fulfilling desires. This fast teaches self-control and devotion. During the fast, the individual remembers God with restraint and devotion, leading to peace and good fortune in their life. Thus, observing Nirjala Ekadashi not only provides spiritual benefits but also brings positive changes in life.
Importance of Charity in Jyeshtha Maas
Jyeshtha month experiences intense heat, so offering water and cool things is considered very auspicious during this time. Donating during this month not only brings merit but also brings peace of mind. Providing water stations for passersby, donating fans, umbrellas, and footwear are very fruitful acts. This provides relief to those distressed by the heat and promotes their well-being.
Furthermore, establishing water vessels and arranging water for birds is also essential. These small acts not only provide spiritual benefits but also bring auspicious planetary influences. Such charity during Jyeshtha Maas brings prosperity to life and spreads positive energy around us. Therefore, charity is very important during this month.
Jyeshtha Maas is a month of self-purification, penance, and service. The fasts, ablutions, and charity performed during this month provide incredible spiritual benefits. Apara Ekadashi, Vat Savitri Vrat, Ganga Dussehra, and Nirjala Ekadashi – these four festivals are not only part of our religious tradition but are also a means of making our lives more energetic and positive. During this Jyeshtha Maas, we should all resolve to make our lives more righteous by observing service, spiritual practices, and self-restraint to the best of our ability.
