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Ekadashi Vrat 2026

Ekadashi Vrat 2026: Dates, Rituals, Rules & Benefits

99Pandit Ji
Last Updated:November 19, 2025

Ekadashi Vrat 2026: Ekadashi Vrat is one of the important and pious practices in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 11th day of each lunar cycle according to the Hindu calendar.

It is perceived that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day will give fulfilment to every desire of people. On this day, followers fast and pray to cleanse their minds, bodies and the previous karmas.

Ekadashi Vrat 2026

It resembles a spiritual refreshment day that contributes to self-control in people and provides them with inner harmony.

In 2026, the importance of Ekadashi becomes twice since the year has several very auspicious Ekadashis.

It contains Nirjala Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Putrada Ekadashi and many others. With each of them having its own benefits, devotees across the world keep this vrat for divine protection and spiritual growth.

In this guide, we will cover everything about Ekadashi Vrat 2026. From month-wise dates, the right way to observe fasts, rituals included, to the benefits linked with the holy day. Let’s begin.

Ekadashi Vrat: Meaning, Significance & Why It’s Special

Ekadashi Vrat is not merely a fast; it is more of a spiritual purification. It is mainly done as a way of acquiring the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is a saviour and protector of the world.

Hindus believe that the lunar phase has two phases. One of them is referred to as the Krishna Paksha (new moon), and the other one is referred to as the Shukla Paksha (growing moon).

Each phase contains fourteen days, and the eleventh day of each is called “Ekadashi”. As per many Hindu Vedic scriptures, the vrat is believed to grant divine blessings, eliminate past karma deeds, and help gain success in each aspect of life.

Furthermore, the importance of this Vrat is also narrated by Lord Vishnu to Yudhishthira.

Here, he mentioned that those who observe the fast with the utmost regard and faith will attain Moksha.

Unlike other Vrats, Ekadashi is not about skipping food but eating sattvic food, meditating and offering prayers to the deities. The main idea behind it is simple: physical cleansing and spiritual upliftment.

Legends Behind Ekadashi Vrat (Mythological Story)

As per Padama Purana, the tale behind this Ekadashi Vrat is associated with the powerful demon called “Mura”.

The story begins when the Mura start creating chaos everywhere in the world. He is said to be so strong that even several gods fail to defeat him.

Ekadashi Vrat 2026

Therefore, all the gods and sages went to Lord Vishnu asking for help. Lord Vishnu to redeem the world and engage in a fight with Mura.

Having a long fight, the god was fatigued and slept a little in a tiny cave. Mura attempted to kill Lord Vishnu when he was sleeping. When he attacked, the divine energy emerged from Lord Vishnu.

The energy is beautiful, Goddess with energy, light, and radiance. After, the goddess engaged in a fight with the demon and killed him in a couple of minutes.

The Lord Vishnu awoke and became delighted with the observation of a good deed committed by the goddess.

Then onwards, the goddess is named as Ekdashi as she appeared on the 11th day of the lunar cycle.

Impressed by her, Lord Vishnu blessed her, saying whoever keeps the fast on this day with utmost devotion will seek a doorway to liberation.

From then onwards, this practice is carried forward by the people and becomes a significant holy practice in Hinduism.

Ekadashi Vrat 2026 Calendar – Major Dates (Month-Wise)

The following is the complete list of the Ekadashi vrat dates in 2026, both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha Ekadashis:

Ekadashi Vrat 2026

January 2026 Ekadashi

1. Shat-Tila Ekadashi:

  • Date: January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • Tithi: Krishna Ekadashi / Magha Krishna
  • Parana: 07:15 to 10:45
  • Begins: 15:17, Jan 13
  • Ends: 17:52, Jan 14
  • Significance: It is associated with the donation of sesame (til).

2. Bhaimi Ekadashi:

  • Date: January 29, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Tithi: Gaura Ekadaski
  • Parana: 07:10 to 10:47
  • Begins: 16:35, Jan 28
  • Ends: 13:55, Jan 29
  • Significance: Remove the cycle of ghostly or unhappy birth

February 2026 Ekadashi

3. Vijaya Ekadashi:

  • Date: February 13, 2026 (Friday)
  • Parana: 07:00 to 10:44
  • Begins: 12:22, Feb 12
  • Ends: 14:25, Feb 13
  • Significance: Help in gaining the victory and removing the hurdle

4. Amalaki Ekadashi:

  • Date: February 27, 2026 (Friday)
  • Parana: 06:47 to 10:38
  • Begins: 00:33, Feb 27
  • Ends: 22:32, Feb 27
  • Significance: Dedicated to the Amla tree and Lord Vishnu

March 2026 Ekadashi

5. Papamochani Ekadashi:

  • Date: March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Parana: 06:30 to 09:40
  • Begins: 08:10, Mar 14
  • Ends: 09:16, Mar 15
  • Significance: Helps in getting rid of past sins

6. Kamada Ekadashi:

  • Date: March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Parana: 06:14 to 07:09
  • Begins: 08:45, Mar 28
  • Ends: 07:46, Mar 29
  • Significance: Fulfills all the wishes

April 2026 Ekadashi

7. Varuthini Ekadashi:

  • Date: April 13, 2026 (Monday)
  • Parana: 06:54 to 10:13
  • Begins: 01:16, Apr 13
  • Ends: 01:08, Apr 14
  • Significance: Provide divine protection from misfortune

8. Mohini Ekadashi:

  • Date: April 27, 2026 (Monday)
  • Parana: 05:43 to 10:07
  • Begins: 18:06, Apr 26
  • Ends: 18:15, Apr 27
  • Significance: Brings clarity to thoughts by removing confusion

May 2026 Ekadashi

9. Apara Ekadashi:

  • Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • Parana: 05:31 to 10:02
  • Begins: 14:52, May 12
  • Ends: 13:29, May 13
  • Significance: Brings limitless spiritual benefits

10. Padmini Ekadashi:

  • Date: May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • Parana: 05:25 to 07:56
  • Begins: 05:10, May 26
  • Ends: 06:21, May 27
  • Significance: Attract attention in every aspect of life

June 2026 Ekadashi

11. Parama Ekadashi:

  • Date: June 11, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Parana: 05:23 to 10:02
  • Begins: 00:57, Jun 11
  • Ends: 22:36, Jun 11
  • Significance: Grants prosperity and inner strength

12. Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi:

  • Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Parana: 05:25 to 10:04
  • Begins: 18:12, Jun 24
  • Ends: 20:09, Jun 25
  • Significance: Devotees observed without food or water

July 2026 Ekadashi

13. Yogini Ekadashi:

  • Date: July 11, 2026 (Saturday)
  • Parana: 05:32 to 10:08
  • Begins: 08:16, Jul 10
  • Ends: 05:22, Jul 11
  • Significance: Help in cleansing past mistakes

14. Devshayani Ekadashi:

  • Date: July 25, 2026 (Saturday)
  • Parana: 05:39 to 10:11
  • Begins: 09:12, Jul 24
  • Ends: 11:34, Jul 25
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of Chaturmasya (Vishnu’s rest)

August 2026 Ekadashi

15. Kamika Ekadashi:

  • Date: August 9, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Parana: 05:47 to 08:00
  • Begins: 13:59, Aug 08
  • Ends: 11:04, Aug 09
  • Significance: Removes bad karma, ego, and anger

16. Pavitropana / Vyanjuli Mahadvadashi:

  • Date: August 24, 2026 (Monday)
  • Parana: 05:55 to 06:20
  • Begins: 02:00, Aug 23
  • Ends: 04:18, Aug 24
  • Significance: Blessed couples with progeny

September 2026 ISKCON Ekadashi

17. Aja Ekadashi:

  • Date: September 7, 2026 (Monday)
  • Parana: 06:02 to 10:13
  • Begins: 19:29, Sep 06
  • Ends: 17:03, Sep 07
  • Significance: Eliminates past sins and past karma

18. Parshva Ekadashi:

  • Date: September 22, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Parana: 06:10 to 10:12
  • Begins: 20:00, Sep 21
  • Ends: 21:43, Sep 22
  • Significance: Promotes devotion and detachment from worldly things

October 2026 ISKCON Ekadashi

19. Indira Ekadashi:

  • Date: October 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Parana: 06:17 to 10:12
  • Begins: 02:07, Oct 06
  • Ends: 00:34, Oct 07
  • Significance: Helps in attaining Moksha and is ideal to perform Pitru Paksha

20. Pashankusha Ekadashi:

  • Date: October 22, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Parana: 06:27 to 10:12
  • Begins: 14:11, Oct 21
  • Ends: 14:47, Oct 22
  • Significance: Destroys accumulated sins and promotes inner strength

November 2026 Ekadashi

21. Rama Ekadashi:

  • Date: November 5, 2026 (Thursday)
  • Parana: 06:37 to 10:15
  • Begins: 11:03, Nov 04
  • Ends: 10:35, Nov 05
  • Significance: Removes the hurdles and brings peace

22. Devutthana Ekadashi:

  • Date: November 21, 2026 (Saturday)
  • Parana: 06:49 to 10:21
  • Begins: 07:15, Nov 20
  • Ends: 06:31, Nov 21
  • Significance: Grant the blessings of the divine and auspicious for marriage

December 2026 ISKCON Ekadashi

23. Utpanna Ekadashi:

  • Date: December 4, 2026 (Friday)
  • Parana: 06:59 to 10:28
  • Begins: 23:03, Dec 03
  • Ends: 23:44, Dec 04
  • Significance: Considered the birth of Ekdashi itself

24. Mokshada Ekadashi:

  • Date: December 20, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Parana: 07:10 to 10:36
  • Begins: 22:09, Dec 19
  • Ends: 20:14, Dec 20
  • Significance: Ideal for attaining liberation

How to Observe Ekadashi Vrat (Step-by-Step Rituals)

Ekadashi Vrat is not merely about keeping a fast. When performed with good intentions and holiness, it gives peace, heavenly protection and wealth to those who worship it.

Ekadashi Vrat 2026

Here is the way you can take this vrat properly:

1. Early Morning Rituals

  • Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath to start the ritual.
  • The person performing the vrat wears the traditional attire and cleanses the puja area.
  • Now decorate the space and decorate the idol or image of Lord Vishnu with flowers and garlands.

2. Take the Sankalp

  • Place a puja asan on the floor and sit quietly.
  • Now take a sankalp by mentioning the reason behind the vrat.

3. Ekadashi Puja Steps

  • Take a Tulsi leaf, fruits, and water to offer to Lord Vishnu.
  • Put some ghee in the diya and light it up.
  • Sit in front of the Lord and start chanting the Vishnu mantra or Vishnu Sahasranama.

“Om Namo Narayanaya”
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

4. What to Do During the Day

  • Do meditation for at least 15-20 minutes a day.
  • Read a holy book such as the Bhagwat Geeta.
  • Perform activities such as donation or charity.

Food rules:
Based on your vrat type:

  • Nirjala: No food or water.
  • Phalahar: You can take satvik food such as milk, curd, nuts, sabudana, and coconut water.

5. Evening Rituals

  • During the time of sunset, you have to offer a prayer to Lord Vishnu again by lighting up a diya.
  • Simply sit and chant the mantra or recite some devotional songs.

6. Parana (Breaking the Fast) on the Next Day

  • Once Ekadashi is over, you perform Parana on the Dwadashi.
  • Take a bath and offer a prayer to Lord Vishnu.
  • Break the fast in the correct Parana time with sattvic foods such as fruits or water.
  • Donate needy items or food to the poor people.

Benefits of Performing the Ekadashi Vrat in 2026

Keeping a fast on the Ekadashi is beneficial both in a physical and spiritual sense, hence making it a unique practice to purify the mind and body.

Some of the benefits of the Ekadashi vrat are as follows:

1. Cleansing of the Mind and Body: Fasting on the day assists people in acquiring clarity in thoughts and in cleansing the body naturally.

2. Pray to Lord Vishnu: It is said that the fast on this day will bring blessings to people with divine powers and protection. It introduces wealth and harmony in his/her life.

3. Self-Control and Path to Moksha: Self-disciplined fasting gives self-control and mental awareness. In addition, it helps to end the rebirth process and receive liberation.

4. Getting rid of Sins: It is assumed that when a person practices Ekadashi vrat with purity, he & she can get rid of his/her past sins and bring good and positivity to their lives again.

5. Less Stress and Emotional Stability: Mantra Chanting and meditation enable an individual to decrease stress and anxiety in addition to bringing emotional stability.

Ekadashi Vrat Rules (Do’s & Don’ts)

Doing an Ekadashi Vrat with the right procedure is important in order to achieve better results. Let’s go through some do’s and don’ts of this fast:

Do’s  Don’ts
Wake up and take a bath in Brahma muhurat Avoid eating non-veg and foods like onion and garlic.
Perform holy practices such as mantra chanting, scripture reading, and more. Try not to sleep during the day, as it can reduce the spiritual benefits of Vrat 
Only eat satvik food like nuts, milk, and fruits if you are not doing Nirjala Ekadashi  Do not overeat just after the fast 
Keep yourself hydrated Activities such as trimming nails, cutting hair, or shaving should not be done on this day 
Break the fast only during the right Prana time  Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks 
Stay calm and avoid negative thinking  Don’t pluck or eat Tulsi leaves on Ekadashi 

 

Conclusion

Ekadashi Vrat not only constitutes a religious fast, but it is a divine practice that unites the mind, body, and soul with divine blessings.

By maintaining the vrat and participating in the rituals, the devotees may have an opportunity to renounce any worldly cravings, eliminate sins of the past, and get oriented along the path of liberation.

When done with faith and devotion, a person not just detaches from material things but also offers spiritual upliftment.

Whether you’re doing a Nirjala Ekdashi or a satvik diet, the main things that matter are devotion and the intent.

With good knowledge of each Ekadashi date and significance, you can perform this vrat on the right day and attain the spiritual and physical benefits.

The above-mentioned rituals and dos and don’ts can double up the outcomes of the Ekadashi vrat and bring inner peace, prosperity, and divine protection.

So step into your Ekadashi journey of 2026 and bring the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu to your life. For such an informational blog, stay connected with 99Pandit!

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