Quick answer
Ekadashi falls twice a month in the Hindu lunar calendar, on the 11th day of each paksha. India observes 24 Ekadashis in 2026. The most significant dates are Nirjala (25 June), Devshayani (25 July), Devutthana (20 to 21 November), and Mokshada (20 December).
What Is Ekadashi
Ekadashi is the 11th day of each lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. This day falls twice a month, once in Shukla Paksha and once in Krishna Paksha.
Devotees dedicate this day to Lord Vishnu. Many people fast, pray, and avoid grains to mark the occasion.
Regional names include Gyaras, Agiyaras, Ekadoshi, and Ekadesi. The observance stays the same across India despite different local names.
Ekadashi 2026 Full List: All 24 Dates at a Glance
Dates below come from the general Smarta calendar. Tithi start and end times shift slightly by city, so verify exact timings with a live panchang source such as Drik Panchang before you plan your fast.
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shat Tila Ekadashi | 14 Jan | Wed | Krishna |
| Jaya Ekadashi | 29 Jan | Thu | Shukla |
| Vijaya Ekadashi | 13 Feb | Fri | Krishna |
| Amalaki Ekadashi | 27 Feb | Fri | Shukla |
| Papmochani Ekadashi | 15 Mar | Sun | Krishna |
| Kamada Ekadashi | 29 Mar | Sun | Shukla |
| Varuthini Ekadashi | 13 Apr | Mon | Krishna |
| Mohini Ekadashi | 27 Apr | Mon | Shukla |
| Apara Ekadashi | 13 May | Wed | Krishna |
| Padmini Ekadashi* | 27 May | Wed | Shukla |
| Parama Ekadashi* | 11 Jun | Thu | Krishna |
| Nirjala Ekadashi | 25 Jun | Thu | Shukla |
| Yogini Ekadashi | 10–11 Jul | Fri/Sat | Krishna |
| Devshayani Ekadashi | 25 Jul | Sat | Shukla |
| Kamika Ekadashi | 9 Aug | Sun | Krishna |
| Putrada/Pavitropana Ekadashi | 23–24 Aug | Sun/Mon | Shukla |
| Aja Ekadashi | 7 Sep | Mon | Krishna |
| Parsva Ekadashi | 22 Sep | Tue | Shukla |
| Indira Ekadashi | 6 Oct | Tue | Krishna |
| Papankusha Ekadashi | 22 Oct | Thu | Shukla |
| Rama Ekadashi | 5 Nov | Thu | Krishna |
| Devutthana Ekadashi | 20–21 Nov | Fri/Sat | Shukla |
| Utpanna Ekadashi | 4 Dec | Fri | Krishna |
| Mokshada Ekadashi | 20 Dec | Sun | Shukla |
- Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi are associated with the Adhik Maas cycle.
Ekadashi in January and February 2026
Sure. Here’s the table with the traditional significance of each Ekadashi:
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shat Tila Ekadashi | 14 January | Wednesday | Krishna | Associated with charity, purification, and spiritual merit. Sesame (til) is traditionally used in bathing, offerings, and donations on this day. |
| Jaya Ekadashi | 29 January | Thursday | Shukla | Traditionally observed for spiritual purification and liberation from negative influences. It is also associated with overcoming obstacles and attaining higher spiritual consciousness. |
| Vijaya Ekadashi | 13 February | Friday | Krishna | Considered favorable for overcoming difficulties, achieving success, and gaining strength to overcome challenges. Devotees observe the fast seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings for victory. |
| Amalaki Ekadashi | 27 February | Friday | Shukla | Dedicated to the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree, which is regarded as sacred and associated with Lord Vishnu. The day emphasizes devotion, purification, prosperity, and spiritual merit. |
Ekadashi in March 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papmochani Ekadashi | 15 March | Sunday | Krishna | Traditionally associated with atonement, purification, and liberation from sins. It is observed as the final Ekadashi of the Hindu lunar year in many traditions. |
| Kamada Ekadashi | 29 March | Sunday | Shukla | Traditionally associated with fulfillment of righteous desires and spiritual purification. Devotees observe the fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for blessings and the removal of obstacles. |
Ekadashi in April 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varuthini Ekadashi | 13 April | Monday | Krishna | Traditionally believed to bring protection, prosperity, and spiritual merit. |
| Mohini Ekadashi | 27 April | Monday | Shukla | Associated with Lord Vishnu’s Mohini form during the churning of the ocean. |
Ekadashi in May 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apara Ekadashi | 13 May | Wednesday | Krishna | Brings spiritual merit and helps cleanse past sins. |
| Padmini Ekadashi | 27 May | Wednesday | Shukla | Observed during Adhik Maas for devotion and spiritual purification. |
Ekadashi in June 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parama Ekadashi | 11 June | Thursday | Krishna | Observed during Adhik Maas for spiritual purification and merit. |
| Nirjala Ekadashi | 25 June | Thursday | Shukla | Strict waterless fast, traditionally believed to equal all Ekadashi merits. |
Ekadashi in July 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yogini Ekadashi | 10–11 July | Friday/Saturday | Krishna | Traditionally observed for purification and spiritual blessings. |
| Devshayani Ekadashi | 25 July | Saturday | Shukla | Marks the beginning of Chaturmas and Lord Vishnu’s yogic sleep. |
During Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu goes into yogic sleep. Hindu tradition pauses weddings and new ventures until he wakes in November.
Ekadashi in August 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamika Ekadashi | 9 August | Sunday | Krishna | Associated with forgiveness, purification, and Lord Vishnu’s blessings. |
| Putrada/Pavitropana Ekadashi | 23–24 August | Sunday/Monday | Shukla | Traditionally associated with progeny, prosperity, and spiritual purification. |
Ekadashi in September 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aja/Annada Ekadashi | 7 September | Monday | Krishna | Traditionally observed for forgiveness, purification, and spiritual merit. |
| Parsva Ekadashi | 22 September | Tuesday | Shukla | Marks Lord Vishnu’s turning during his cosmic sleep. |
Ekadashi in October 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indira Ekadashi | 6 October | Tuesday | Krishna | Associated with ancestral prayers, Shraddha rituals, and liberation. |
| Papankusha Ekadashi | 22 October | Thursday | Shukla | Traditionally observed for purification, forgiveness, and spiritual liberation. |
Ekadashi in November 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rama Ekadashi | 5 November | Thursday | Krishna | Associated with spiritual purification, prosperity, and Lord Vishnu’s blessings. |
| Devutthana/Prabodhini Ekadashi | 20–21 November | Friday/Saturday | Shukla | Marks Lord Vishnu’s awakening from yogic sleep. |
Chaturmas ends here. Hindu families resume weddings and new ventures after this date. Search interest for this Ekadashi spikes every year.
Ekadashi in December 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utpanna Ekadashi | 4 December | Friday | Krishna | Celebrates Ekadashi’s origin and spiritual victory over temptation. |
| Mokshada/Vaikuntha Ekadashi | 20 December | Sunday | Shukla | Associated with liberation and entry into Lord Vishnu’s divine abode. |
Smarta vs Vaishnava Ekadashi: Why Some Dates and Names Differ
Two calendars govern Ekadashi dates in India. The Smarta calendar serves general Hindu households. The Vaishnava, or Gaurabda, calendar serves ISKCON and Vaishnava traditions.
Some 2026 dates carry different names in each calendar. On 7 September, the Smarta calendar names it Aja Ekadashi. The Vaishnava calendar names it Annada Ekadashi.
On 23 to 24 August, the Smarta calendar uses Putrada Ekadashi. The Vaishnava calendar uses Pavitropana Ekadashi for the same window.
Tithi boundary timing causes some of these shifts. A tithi that starts late in one city may fall on a different date in another city.
Check which tradition you follow before you mark your calendar. The name and date both matter for your fast and puja timing.
The Most Important Ekadashis of 2026
Every Ekadashi carries spiritual weight, but four dates stand out in 2026 for their significance and search demand.
• Nirjala Ekadashi, 25 June: the most demanding fast of the year, said to carry the merit of all 24 Ekadashis.
• Devshayani Ekadashi, 25 July: marks the start of Chaturmas and Lord Vishnu's yogic sleep.
• Devutthana Ekadashi, 20-21 November: marks the end of Chaturmas and the return of weddings and new ventures.
• Mokshada Ekadashi, 20 December: tied to Bhagavad Gita Jayanti and linked to Vaikuntha Ekadashi in south India.
Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi: Step-by-Step Fasting Rules
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare on Dashami | Eat a light sattvic meal the evening before Ekadashi begins. |
| 2. Wake before sunrise | Bathe and wear clean clothes for the day. |
| 3. Take your Sankalp | State your intention to observe the fast with a clear mind. |
| 4. Perform Puja | Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves and a diya. |
| 5. Follow fasting rules | Choose nirjala, phalahar, or a single meal based on tradition and health. |
| 6. Stay awake at night | Many devotees keep a jagran with prayer and reflection. |
| 7. Break your fast on Dwadashi | Complete parana within the correct time window. |
What to Eat and Avoid on Ekadashi
| Category | What to Eat | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits | Fresh fruits, bananas, apples, papaya, coconut | Canned or heavily processed fruits |
| Dairy | Milk, curd, buttermilk, paneer | Processed dairy products with additives |
| Nuts & Seeds | Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, makhana | Salted or heavily roasted packaged nuts |
| Vegetables | Sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, bottle gourd | Grains and vegetables restricted by your tradition |
| Flours | Kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara flour, rajgira flour | Wheat flour, refined flour, and other grains |
| Fasting Staples | Sabudana, makhana, coconut, rock salt (sendha namak) | Rice, wheat, lentils, beans, and regular table salt |
| Seasonings | Cumin, black pepper, ginger, lemon, fresh herbs | Onion, garlic, and spice mixes containing prohibited ingredients |
| Drinks | Water, milk, coconut water, fresh fruit-based drinks | Alcohol and drinks containing prohibited ingredients |
| Packaged Foods | Prefer fresh, homemade fasting foods with simple ingredients | Processed snacks, sauces, and foods containing grains or regular salt |
| Strict Nirjala Fast | No food or water, if following this traditional fast | Do not attempt without considering your health and tradition |
Ekadashi Parana: How to Correctly Break the Fast
Parana means breaking your fast correctly. Break your fast within the Dwadashi tithi window, not before Ekadashi ends.
Avoid breaking your fast on an empty stomach with heavy food. Start with something light, like fruit or milk.
Common mistakes include breaking too early or skipping the parana time entirely. Both reduce the value of your fast.
Benefits of Observing Ekadashi
Ekadashi fasting supports more than devotion. Many people notice a mental reset and sharper focus after a day of fasting.
Fasting also gives your digestive system a break. Your body processes lighter foods and often feels less bloated the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Ekadashis are there in 2026?
A: India observes 24 Ekadashis in 2026, with 12 in Shukla Paksha and 12 in Krishna Paksha.
Q: Which Ekadashi is most important in 2026?
A: Nirjala Ekadashi on 25 June holds special weight. Tradition says it carries the merit of all 24 Ekadashis.
Q: Why do Smarta and Vaishnava calendars show different Ekadashi names?
A: Tithi boundary timing shifts by city and tradition. This creates different names or dates for a few 2026 Ekadashis.
Q: What can I eat on Ekadashi?
A: Choose sattvic foods like fruit, milk, nuts, and grain-free options such as sabudana or kuttu flour.
Q: When does Chaturmas start and end in 2026?
A: Chaturmas begins on Devshayani Ekadashi, 25 July, and ends on Devutthana Ekadashi, 20 to 21 November.
Q: How do I correctly break an Ekadashi fast?
A: Break your fast during the Dwadashi tithi window. Start with light food like fruit or milk.
Closing Thoughts
Ekadashi connects millions of devotees to a shared rhythm of fasting and prayer through the year. Use this 2026 list to plan your observance with confidence.
