Hindus Mark Putrada Ekadashi with Prayers and Cow Worship
Residents of Madanganj, in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, marked Putrada Ekadashi with religious activities including devotional songs and prayers.
Putrada Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar. It is observed twice a year, and Hindus believe fasting on this day can bring blessings related to children.
As part of the celebrations, people performed bhajan-kirtan, which means singing devotional songs together in a group setting.
Devotees also carried out puja-arch worship of cows, a practice that reflects the special respect cows hold in Hindu tradition.
In 2026, Putrada Ekadashi falls on 23 August. Many people asked about the exact date, since Ekadashi dates can sometimes be confusing due to the lunar calendar.
People also wanted to know the correct muhurat, or auspicious time, for starting the fast and rituals.
Following a vrat, or religious fast, is central to the observance. Devotees follow specific rules, such as avoiding certain foods, during the fasting period.
The daily Panchang, a traditional Hindu calendar, also listed the timing for Rahukaal on 23 August 2026. Rahukaal is considered an inauspicious period when people avoid starting new tasks.
These reports, covering both the local celebration in Madanganj and broader guidance for the festival, highlight how Putrada Ekadashi is observed with devotion across different communities.
Vocabulary8 words
- Putrada Ekadashi
- a Hindu holy day linked to blessings for children
- Hindu
- relating to Hinduism, a major religion from India
- bhajan-kirtan
- group singing of religious songs
- puja
- an act of prayer and worship
- muhurat
- a time considered lucky for beginning something
- vrat
- a religious fast done for spiritual reasons
- Panchang
- a traditional calendar showing important dates and times
- Rahukaal
- a period seen as unlucky for starting new activities
Quiz
Answer key
1. Madanganj, Ajmer, Rajasthan 2. Blessings related to children 3. An inauspicious period
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Residents of Madanganj, in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, marked _____ with religious activities.
Putrada Ekadashi is observed twice a year, and Hindus believe fasting can bring blessings related to _____.
As part of the celebrations, people performed _____, singing devotional songs together.
Devotees also carried out _____ worship of cows.
In 2026, Putrada Ekadashi falls on _____.
Many people wanted to know the correct _____ for starting the fast.
Following a _____, or religious fast, is central to the observance.
The daily _____ also listed the timing for Rahukaal on 23 August 2026.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fasting is an important part of religious festivals?
- Have you ever taken part in a religious or cultural festival that involves special foods or fasting rules?
- Why might cows be considered special in some cultures?
- How do calendars like the Panchang help people plan religious activities?