Across India, the sacred festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi was observed with immense fervour and devotion on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The day marks the auspicious occasion when the celestial gates to Lord Vishnu's divine abode, Vaikuntha, are believed to open for all devotees.
A Day of Fasting and Sacred Rituals
The festival commenced with devout followers observing strict fasts and engaging in early morning prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The air in and around temples resonated with the rhythmic and powerful chanting of Vedic mantras and hymns. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and tulsi leaves were made to the deity as part of the traditional puja rituals, seeking divine blessings and spiritual merit.
Long Queues for a Divine Glimpse
The most significant ritual of the day involved devotees passing through the specially decorated Vaikuntha Dwaram or 'gate to heaven'. This symbolic act is deeply rooted in the belief that it grants a direct path to salvation (moksha) and the heavenly abode. As a result, long, snaking queues were witnessed at major Vishnu temples nationwide. Hundreds of faithful waited patiently for hours for their chance to walk through the sacred portal and catch a glimpse of the deity through it, a moment considered supremely auspicious.
A Nationwide Celebration of Faith
The visual documentation from various temples showed a sea of devotees participating in the celebrations. The overwhelming turnout underscored the festival's profound significance in the Hindu religious calendar. For the believers, December 30, 2025, was not just a date but a sacred opportunity to connect with the divine, reinforce their faith, and perform a ritual that is said to wash away sins and pave the way to spiritual liberation. The collective energy of prayer and devotion made this Vaikuntha Ekadashi a powerful display of India's living religious traditions.
