Can I pluck tulasī, sleep in the day, or cut hair and nails on Ekādaśī?

traditionally tulasī is plucked the day before, day-sleep is avoided, and haircuts and nail-cutting are postponed.

Tulasī is dear to Viṣṇu, and tradition holds that she herself observes Ekādaśī, so her leaves are not plucked that day (nor on Dvādaśī in many homes). Pluck enough leaves on Daśamī and keep them in water; tulasī leaves stay pure for offering even when a day old.

Day-sleep is discouraged because the vrata is meant to be a day of remembrance, with japa, kīrtana, reading and, for some, a night vigil (jāgaraṇa). Cutting hair, shaving, cutting nails, quarrelling, gossip and harsh speech are also avoided in many homes as part of the restraint.

These are supports for the mind, not tests to fail. If you are unwell or exhausted, rest is fine. Keep the spirit of the day: lighter food, kinder words and more remembrance of God.

Pluck tulasī on Daśamī for Ekādaśī · Source: common Vaiṣṇava and family practice

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