MOON DAYS
2025
April
NEW
28th (Monday)*
FULL
13th (Sunday)
EKADASI
24th (Thursday)
9th (Wednesday)
Moon Days
Ekadashi
It is part of the Ashtanga yoga tradition that Full Moon and New Moon days are rest days, when there is no asana practice.
This tradition can also be explained by the fact that moon phases have an effect on us (the human body and mind), since the human body is more than 70% water. During Full Moon, we feel energetic but emotionally restless. During New Moon, we feel calm and balanced, but physical exertion doesn't feel good. In other words, on Moon Days different energies have a strong impact on us, and because of this we may be more vulnerable.
According to yogic traditions, this is why on Moon Days spiritual practices (e.g., self-observation, studying sacred texts and books, practicing prayers, chanting mantras) are emphasized instead of asana practice. Experiencing Moon Days for ourselves is one of the best ways to recognize and respect the rhythms of nature, and thereby live in greater harmony with it.
Additionally, those who practice regularly (six days a week is recommended) will quickly notice how beneficial the rest day on Moon Days can be, when their body can rest (after all, Ashtanga practice can be physically demanding), and the extra free time makes mental rejuvenation even more complete.
Ekadashi is the fasting day in Hindu culture
The word itself means 'eleventh' in Sanskrit and refers to the eleventh day following the full moon and new moon. According to Vedic traditions - thanks to the current position of the Moon - our body and mind are most suitable for purification on these days. Through fasting, our physical body rests. With an empty, light and clean stomach, our consciousness is capable of more energetic and alert functioning. It is beneficial to spend these days in introspection and spiritual practice (chanting mantras, meditation).
The dates marked with * in the moon calendar are special Ashtanga moon days. The official full moon and new moon calculated for Budapest does not fall on this day, however the exact time (hour and minute) of the current moon day (e.g. 23:30) is closer to the next day's practice time, therefore the rest day shifts to this date.