Visakhapatnam: Commuters and passers-by near Jagadamba junction were in for a surprise where a lot of Marwaris gathered to distribute thirst-quenchers on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi on Wednesday.

The day was considered to be auspicious and community women observe fasting even without drinking water.

Every year, ‘Nirjala Ekadasi’ is observed in the month of Jyeshta. Marwaris believe that those who observe fasting on the day have an equivalent benefit of visiting 1,000 shrines. Women of the community say that it is the toughest fasting of all as they have to stay without drinking water.

Community people worship lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves and distribute buttermilk or sherbet to the needy. Close to 1,500 glasses of buttermilk were distributed to the people near Jagadamba junction, says Ajay Kumar Gupta, a Marwari.

“It is part of our ritual to observe fasting, distribute soft drinks and worship lord Vishnu to attain ‘punya’Last year, we have offered rose milk to the poor. This year, homemade buttermilk was distributed,” he said.