Vaikunta Ekadasi comes in Dec/Jan, in the month of Pushya Shukla paksha. This month usually comes in the English calendar month of December or January. It is said that the Vaikunta Dwara[Heavenly door] opens on this day. Basically it means that on this day a door opens to reach the gates of Vaikunta. In all Vishnu temples the Utsava Murthi is brought out early in the morning and people go early in the morning to have a darshan of the Lord. Even if a person does not observe Ekadasi through out the year, but observes fast on Vaikunta Ekadasi day, one can attain salvation. Fasting is done by various people in different ways. Some people do not eat or drink anything nirjala (not even water), some do partake of fruits and milk phalaahaar (diet of fruits and milk) , yet others have a diet of poha or sabudana and milk and fruits. A few others avoid rice but partake of uppitu, ksheera or even chapathis or dosas. So fasting can be done in anyway that is convenient to the person as his or her health and mindset allows. After fasting, next day on dwadasi day, food has to be eaten at the time mentioned in the panchanga.
On Vaikunta Ekadasi day do pray to god whenever you find the time. Try and visit a temple in the morning or evening.The people residing in India will not find it difficult to visit a temple but for people living in the other parts of the world to whom a temple may not be easily accessible, do meditate for a few moments in front of God's picture and recite at least 12 names of Lord Vishnu and try to fast in whatever way is possible for you. Here is a short shloka for you to recite on this day...
Shanthakaaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham
Vishwadhaaram Gaganasadhrusham Meghavarnam Shubhangam
Lakshmikantham Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamayam
Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaikanatham
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