🕉️ Ekadashi Calendar 2026

Ekadashi is the eleventh day (tithi) of each lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It occurs twice a month – once during the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) and once during the waning moon (Krishna Paksha).

The word comes from Sanskrit: 'eka' meaning one and 'dashi' meaning ten, together meaning eleven.

The tradition has been practiced for thousands of years and is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures including the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Bhagavata Purana.

To observe Ekadashi fast properly, follow these steps:

• Begin at sunrise on Ekadashi day and end after sunrise on Dwadashi (12th day) during Parana time
• Avoid all grains, beans, rice, wheat, lentils, and certain vegetables like onion, garlic, and mushrooms
• Spend the day in prayer, meditation, reading scriptures, and chanting Lord Vishnu's names
• Night vigil (jagaran) – Many devotees stay awake through the night in devotional activities
• Break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi morning during the specified time window

During Ekadashi fasting, certain foods are permitted while others must be strictly avoided:

Ekadashi fasting begins at sunrise on the Ekadashi tithi (lunar day) and ends after sunrise on Dwadashi (the next day) during a specific time window called 'Parana time'.

The exact timing varies based on:

• Your location – Different cities have different sunrise times
• Lunar calendar – Calculations for that specific Ekadashi
• Hari Vasara – The first quarter of Dwadashi should be avoided for breaking fast

Our calendar provides specific Parana timings for each Ekadashi.

Yes, you can drink water during most Ekadashi fasts. There are different levels of observance:

• Nirjala (waterless) – The strictest form where no food or water is consumed. Primarily observed on Nirjala Ekadashi (June)
• Phalahar (fruit diet) – Fruits, milk, and water are allowed. Most commonly practiced
• Partial fast – Only grains are avoided, but other foods and water are permitted

Nirjala Ekadashi, also called Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi, is the most powerful and austere Ekadashi. It falls in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) during Shukla Paksha.

'Nirjala' means 'without water' – devotees observe a complete waterless fast for 24+ hours.

According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, observing this single Ekadashi grants the spiritual merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year.

The story goes that Bhima, the mighty Pandava, couldn't fast regularly due to his enormous appetite, so sage Vyasa advised him to observe just this one Ekadashi strictly.

There are typically 24 Ekadashis in a year – two in each lunar month (one during waxing moon and one during waning moon).

In some years with an extra lunar month (Adhik Maas or Purushottam Maas), there can be 26 Ekadashis.

Each Ekadashi has a unique name and spiritual significance. The 24 Ekadashis of 2026 are:

Saphala, Pausha Putrada, Sat-tila, Jaya, Vijaya, Amalaki, Papmochani, Kamada, Varuthini, Mohini, Apara, Nirjala, Yogini, Devshayani, Kamika, Shravana Putrada, Aja, Parsva, Indira, Papankusha, Rama, Devutthana, Utpanna, and Mokshada.

Ekadashi holds profound spiritual, physical, and astronomical significance:

• Spiritual Benefits: Fasting purifies the mind, reduces material attachments, and brings devotees closer to Lord Vishnu. It is believed to burn past karma and accelerate spiritual progress toward moksha
• Physical Benefits: Periodic fasting gives the digestive system rest, promotes detoxification, improves mental clarity, and has been shown to have various health benefits in modern research
• Astronomical Significance: The Moon affects Earth's water (tides) and human bodies (70% water). On Ekadashi, the Moon's gravitational pull is optimal for fasting

The next Ekadashi depends on your current date. In 2026, Ekadashis occur approximately every 15 days.

Check our calendar above for the exact date and timings of the next Ekadashi in your timezone. The upcoming Ekadashis in early 2026 are:

• January 14 – Saphala Ekadashi
• January 29 – Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
• February 13 – Sat-tila Ekadashi
• February 27 – Jaya Ekadashi
• March 14 – Vijaya Ekadashi
• March 29 – Amalaki Ekadashi

Pregnant women are generally exempt from strict Ekadashi fasting according to Hindu scriptures. However, they can observe Ekadashi in modified ways:

What scriptures say: The Dharma Shastras specifically exempt pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, children under 8, the seriously ill, and those taking essential medications from strict fasting.

Alternative observances:

• Spend extra time in prayer and meditation
• Listen to Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Mahatmya
• Avoid grains while eating other permitted foods
• Practice mental fasting (controlling negative thoughts)

The principle: Devotion matters more than physical austerity. Lord Vishnu appreciates sincere intention over rigid rules that might harm your health or your baby.