Ekadasi Viratham

On Ekadasi in both Valarpirai (waxing moon) and Theipirai (waning moon). The viratham ends on the morning of Dvadasi, the next day.

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Significance

A viratham for Perumal (Vishnu). It comes twice a month. The aim is to eat less on this day and keep your mind on Perumal.

On Dasami night, keep your dinner light.
On Ekadasi morning, take a bath, pray to Perumal and make the sankalpam (vow) for the viratham.
The custom is to avoid rice. Choose what suits your health: a full fast, fruit and milk, or one light meal.
Do archanai to Perumal with thulasi and say his names.
Spend the day listening to or reading devotional songs and pasurams (Tamil hymns of the Azhwars).
The next morning, on Dvadasi, take a bath, pray, and end the viratham with a meal that includes agathi keerai and nellikai.

People with illnesses like diabetes, pregnant women, the elderly and children can keep a light fast, as their doctor advises. Health comes first.

This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.