Is Water Allowed on Ekadashi? A Comprehensive Guide to Fasting Rules

November 29, 2025 •

2 min read

While a strict interpretation known as Nirjala Ekadashi prohibits both food and water for 24 hours, the allowance for water depends entirely on the specific type of fast a devotee observes. The key question, "Is water allowed on Ekadashi?" has a nuanced answer rooted in spiritual capacity and health considerations.

Quick Summary

The consumption of water during Ekadashi fasting varies by the level of austerity observed. While Nirjala Ekadashi strictly forbids water, other forms permit water, juices, or fruits.

Key Points

Nirjala means no water: The strictest form of Ekadashi fasting, Nirjala, requires complete abstinence from water for 24 hours.
Water is generally allowed: In most other forms of Ekadashi, devotees can drink water, milk, or juices.
Health exemptions exist: Pregnant women, the elderly, the infirm, and children are advised against strict waterless fasts and can have water, fruits, or milk.
Intention is key: The spiritual benefit comes from sincere devotion and prayer, not just the physical act of fasting.
Break fast correctly: All Ekadashi fasts are broken on the following day (Dwadashi) at a specific time, with devotees starting with water or light food.
Avoid grains and specific foods: Grains, pulses, onions, and garlic are typically avoided on Ekadashi, regardless of water consumption.

Understanding the Different Levels of Ekadashi Fasting

Ekadashi fasting is an important ritual for devotees of Lord Vishnu, occurring twice a month. The practice varies in strictness, with water consumption being a key differentiator between types of fasts.

The Strict 'Nirjala' Fast

Nirjala Ekadashi is the most rigorous fast, literally meaning "without water". This involves abstaining from both food and water for a full 24 hours. It's a challenging fast often chosen for spiritual merit and self-control, famously linked to the legend of Bhima.

Moderate and Lenient Fasts

Many devotees observe less strict fasts for health or practicality. These fasts are also considered spiritually beneficial when done with devotion.

Jalahar: Only water is consumed.
Phalahari: Allows fruits and milk products alongside water.
Naktabhoji: A partial fast with one permitted meal, typically in the evening.

The Importance of Intention

The core of the Ekadashi fast is spiritual purification through prayer and reflection. Devotees should prioritize their health and choose a fast level that allows for sincere devotion without causing harm. Observing a milder fast with full sincerity is preferred over a strict fast that compromises well-being.

Health Considerations and Exemptions

Certain individuals are exempted from strict Ekadashi fasting for health reasons. This is viewed as a compassionate aspect of the practice.

Exempted Groups:

Pregnant women
The elderly and infirm
Children
Individuals with specific health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney issues)

These individuals can consume water, fruits, or milk while still honoring the spiritual intent of Ekadashi.

Practical Guidelines for Ekadashi Fasting

Proper observance involves both physical and spiritual discipline.

Do's of Ekadashi:

Maintain purity.
Engage in spiritual practices like chanting and prayer.
Stay hydrated if not observing a Nirjala fast.
Eat permitted sattvic foods if not fully fasting (fruits, certain vegetables, nuts, non-grain flours).
Break the fast correctly on Dwadashi with permitted food within a specific timeframe.

Don'ts of Ekadashi:

Avoid grains and pulses.
Abstain from onions and garlic.
Avoid overeating.
Minimize worldly distractions and arguments.
Refrain from daytime sleep.

Comparison of Ekadashi Fasting Types


Type of Fast	Water Allowed?	Permitted Food	Who is it for?
Nirjala	No	None	Healthy, determined devotees seeking maximum austerity
Jalahar	Yes, only water	None	Devotees who cannot fast completely but wish for a stricter liquid fast
Phalahari	Yes, with liquids	Fruits, milk products, nuts	Those with mild health issues, or seeking a moderate fast
Partial	Yes	A single meal of permitted foods	Elderly, children, or those needing a milder fast

For more detailed guidance on Vaishnava Ekadashi practices, resources like ISKCON can be helpful.

Conclusion: A Flexible and Devotional Practice

Whether water is allowed on Ekadashi depends on the chosen fast level. While Nirjala is the most austere and waterless, other forms permit hydration. Devotees should prioritize their health and spiritual capacity, selecting a fast that allows for sincere devotion and prayer. The spiritual benefits of Ekadashi can be gained through various levels of observance, with or without water, by focusing on purity of intent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you are not observing a strict Nirjala Ekadashi, you can and should drink water to stay hydrated. The fast is flexible to accommodate different health needs and spiritual capacities.

A waterless fast should be avoided by pregnant women, the elderly, sick individuals, young children, and those with specific medical conditions that make it unsafe.

A waterless fast is considered the most austere, but it is not a requirement for everyone. The spiritual merit comes from sincere devotion, and it is better to observe a manageable fast with full dedication than to endanger your health with an overly strict one.

Yes, if you are observing a less strict fast (such as a Phalahari fast), you can consume fruit juice along with fruits and milk products.

The fast is broken on the next day, Dwadashi, by first consuming a small amount of water or grains within a specified time window. This is followed by a light, sattvic meal.

If you are observing Nirjala Ekadashi and feel unwell, it is completely acceptable to drink water or other liquids to protect your health. Devotion should not come at the expense of well-being.

Yes, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, and the rules and levels of fasting are consistent across all of them, with Nirjala Ekadashi being the one exception for its no-water rule.