What is Ekadashi? (एकादशी क्या है?)
Ekadashi (एकादशी) is the 11th lunar day (tithi) of each fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It occurs twice a month - once during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and once during Krishna Paksha (waning moon), making a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year (occasionally 26 in an adhik maas/leap month year).
Ekadashi is considered the most sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Padma Purana states that Ekadashi Devi herself was born from Lord Vishnu's body to protect devotees from sin. Observing this vrat with devotion cleanses karma, strengthens the mind, and draws you closer to moksha (liberation).
Why Do Hindus Fast on Ekadashi?
According to Vedic scriptures, Papa Purusha (the personification of sin) resides in grains on Ekadashi day. By avoiding rice, wheat, lentils, and all grains, the devotee starves out sinful tendencies and purifies body and soul. Scientifically, the bi-monthly fast aligns with lunar cycles and gives the digestive system a regular reset.
Complete Ekadashi 2026 Date List (एकादशी 2026 तिथि सूची)
| # | Ekadashi Name | Paksha | Date (2026) | |---|--------------|--------|-------------| | 1 | Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna | January 14 | | 2 | Jaya Ekadashi | Shukla | January 29 | | 3 | Vijaya Ekadashi | Krishna | February 13 | | 4 | Amalaki Ekadashi | Shukla | February 27 | | 5 | Papmochani Ekadashi | Krishna | March 15 | | 6 | Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla | March 29 | | 7 | Varuthini Ekadashi | Krishna | April 13 | | 8 | Mohini Ekadashi | Shukla | April 27 | | 9 | Apara Ekadashi | Krishna | May 13 | | 10 | Padmini Ekadashi (Adhik Maas) | Shukla | May 27 | | 11 | Parama Ekadashi (Adhik Maas) | Krishna | June 11 | | 12 | Nirjala Ekadashi | Shukla | June 25 | | 13 | Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna | July 10 | | 14 | Devshayani Ekadashi | Shukla | July 25 | | 15 | Kamika Ekadashi | Krishna | August 9 | | 16 | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla | August 23 | | 17 | Aja Ekadashi | Krishna | September 7 | | 18 | Parsva Ekadashi | Shukla | September 22 | | 19 | Indira Ekadashi | Krishna | October 6 | | 20 | Papankusha Ekadashi | Shukla | October 22 | | 21 | Rama Ekadashi | Krishna | November 5 | | 22 | Devuthani Ekadashi | Shukla | November 20 | | 23 | Utpanna Ekadashi | Krishna | December 4 | | 24 | Mokshada Ekadashi | Shukla | December 20 |
Note: Dates are approximate and may vary by one day depending on your local Panchang and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local Hindu calendar.
Ekadashi Vrat - Do's and Don'ts
Do (करें):
- Wake up early, bathe, and worship Lord Vishnu
- Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" 108 times
- Read Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita
- Eat only allowed foods: fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana, kuttu atta, sendha namak
- Stay awake on Ekadashi night (jagran) for extra spiritual merit
Don't (न करें):
- Do not eat rice, wheat, dal, or any grain
- Do not use regular table salt (use sendha namak only)
- Do not consume onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food
- Do not speak ill of others or engage in gossip
- Do not sleep during the daytime
What is Parana? (पारण)
Parana is the act of breaking the Ekadashi fast on the next morning (Dwadashi tithi). It must be done within a specific time window - usually within the first quarter of Dwadashi. Breaking the fast too early or too late reduces the merit of the vrat. Always check the Parana time for your city before breaking your fast.
Most Powerful Ekadashis of 2026
- Nirjala Ekadashi (June 25): The supreme Ekadashi - fasting without even water for 24 hours. Equal in merit to all 24 Ekadashis combined.
- Devshayani Ekadashi (July 25): Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep). Marks the start of Chaturmas.
- Devuthani Ekadashi (November 20): Lord Vishnu awakens. The Hindu wedding season begins.
- Padmini & Parama Ekadashi (May 27 & June 11): The rare Adhik Maas Ekadashis that come only once in about three years.