Overview
- Major panchang sources including Drik Panchang list the Ekadashi tithi as starting at about 2:00 AM on August 23 and ending about 4:18 AM on August 24, which makes August 23 the Smarta fasting day.
- Vaishnava sampradayas apply a different rule for choosing the fasting day, so many Vaishnava calendars place the Putrada Ekadashi vrat on August 24 with a later parana.
- Parana, the permitted fast‑breaking window, differs by tradition and location: Smarta parana is scheduled on August 24 with afternoon windows that vary by city and Vaishnava parana is listed on August 25 in Drik Panchang computations.
- Devotees are advised to follow their family, guru or temple guidance for which tradition to follow and to consult a local panchang for exact muhurat and parana times before breaking the fast.
- Putrada Ekadashi is a Vishnu vrat observed for children and family welfare and practices range from strict nirjala fasting to fruit or milk‑based fasts, so health and local custom should guide the chosen form of observance.