For the vrat in particular, rice, wheat, pulses and legumes are to be strictly avoided, as are tamsik foods like meat, fish, eggs, onions and garlic. Alcohol and stimulants are barred during this time. Additionally, never pluck tulsi leaves on Ekadashi – the day prior however, is fine. Sometime’s shubh muhurats begin the day prior – make sure you do not pluck tulsi leaves once the holy hours have begun. Finally, sleeping during the day is to be avoided so as to stay vigilant in your act of faith. Spend the day praying and chanting mantras instead.
