Upcoming Ekadashis
Papmochani Ekadashi
Saturday, 14 March 2026 · Krishna Paksha
Amalaki Ekadashi
Saturday, 28 March 2026 · Shukla Paksha
Varuthini Ekadashi
Monday, 13 April 2026 · Krishna Paksha
Ekadashi Calendar 2026
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi (एकादशी, meaning “eleven”) is the 11th lunar day (Tithi) of each fortnight in the Hindu calendar. With two fortnights per lunar month — Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon) — there are 24 Ekadashis every year. Each is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (or his avatars) and has a traditional name steeped in mythological significance.
Ekadashi fasting (Ekadashi Vrat) is one of the most widely observed fasts in Hinduism, practiced across Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Devi traditions. According to the Padma Purana, observing even a single Ekadashi fast is equivalent in merit to performing a major pilgrimage or the Ashwamedha yagna.
Complete Ekadashi Fasting Guide — What to Do & Avoid
✅ Allowed During Ekadashi Vrat
- • Fruits (all types)
- • Milk, yogurt, ghee, paneer
- • Nuts and dry fruits
- • Root vegetables (potato, sweet potato, yam)
- • Rock salt (Sendha Namak)
- • Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- • Samak rice (vrat ke chawal)
- • Water, coconut water, fruit juices
❌ Strictly Avoided
- • All grains (rice, wheat, barley, dal)
- • Lentils and beans
- • Regular table salt (Iodized)
- • Onion and garlic
- • Non-vegetarian food
- • Alcohol and tobacco
- • Sleeping during the day
- • Gambling or negative speech
🕐 Timing of the Fast
The fast begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and ends the next day at sunrise on Dwadashi (12th tithi). The fast-breaking time (Parana) must be performed after the Dwadashi tithi begins and before it ends. Breaking the fast at the wrong time is considered inauspicious.
5 Most Significant Ekadashis of the Year
The most powerful Ekadashi. "Nirjala" means without even water — fasting without eating or drinking for the entire day is said to grant the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Observed by the most dedicated Vaishnava devotees.
Marks the beginning of Chaturmas — Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep). Marriages and auspicious events are traditionally avoided for the next 4 months. The night before is spent in jagran (all-night prayer).
Marks Lord Vishnu's awakening from Yoga Nidra. This ends Chaturmas — marriages and major ceremonies resume the next day. Tulsi Vivah (divine wedding of Tulsi and Vishnu) is celebrated on this day.
The Ekadashi on which the Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Also celebrated as Gita Jayanti. Fasting on this day is said to liberate not just the devotee but their departed ancestors.
Considered the most auspicious Ekadashi in South India. The gates of Vaikunta (Vishnu's heaven) are said to open on this day. Massive crowds gather at Tirupati, Srirangam, and other Vaishnava temples for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Chaturmas — The 4-Month Sacred Period
Two of the most important Ekadashis frame the sacred period of Chaturmas(four holy months): Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi) marks Lord Vishnu entering Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep), and Devutthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) marks his awakening. During Chaturmas, traditionally:
Traditionally avoided
• Marriages and engagements
• Major construction works
• Long journeys
• New business ventures
Traditionally enhanced
• Daily Ekadashi fasting
• Devotional study (Bhagavad Gita, Puranas)
• Charitable activities (dana)
• Pilgrimage (where possible)