Ekadashi 2026 — Complete Date List
All 23 Ekadashi dates with names and fasting guidance
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Next Ekadashi
Aja
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Ekadashi is the eleventh day (tithi) of each fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. It occurs twice per month — once in the waxing (Shukla) fortnight and once in the waning (Krishna) fortnight — giving a total of 24 Ekadashis per year (occasionally 26 in a leap lunar year).
Each Ekadashi has a distinct name, presiding deity, and specific significance drawn from the Puranas. Devotees fast on Ekadashi to purify the mind, reduce tamasic food accumulation, and seek Lord Vishnu's blessings. The fast is broken the following morning (Dwadashi) within the Parana time window.
Among the 24 Ekadashis, Nirjala Ekadashi (the waterless fast in June) carries the merit of all 24 combined. Devshayani Ekadashi in July marks the start of Chaturmas — the four auspicious months when Vishnu rests — and Devutthana Ekadashi in November marks his awakening.
| Month | Ekadashi Name | Date | Paksha |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shattila Six uses of sesame (til) — donation, bathing, offering, consuming, anointing, and worship — destroy all sins. | 14 Jan | Krishna |
| January | Pausha Putrada Grants the boon of a virtuous son. Also called Vaikuntha Ekadashi in South India. | 29 Jan | Shukla |
| February | Vijaya Lord Rama observed this fast before crossing to Lanka. Grants victory over enemies and obstacles. | 13 Feb | Krishna |
| February | Jaya Destroys sins accumulated across lifetimes. Observing with sincerity liberates the devotee. | 27 Feb | Shukla |
| March | Papamochani Releases the devotee from all sins (papa mochana = release from sin). Observed at the end of Phalguna. | 15 Mar | Krishna |
| March | Amalaki Worshipping the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree on this day is equivalent to all pilgrimages. | 29 Mar | Shukla |
| April | Varuthini Wearing an armour (varuthini) of dharma. Grants happiness, prosperity and liberation. | 13 Apr | Krishna |
| April | Kamada Grants all desires (Kama = desire). Clears the sin of brahma-hatya. | 27 Apr | Shukla |
| May | Apara Boundless (apara) merit. Even brahma-hatya sin is destroyed. | 13 May | Krishna |
| May | Mohini Removes the sin of eating food on prohibited days. The day Vishnu appeared as Mohini. | 26 May | Shukla |
| June | Yogini Cures all diseases of body and mind. Story of Kubera's gardener Hemamali. | 11 Jun | Krishna |
| June | Nirjala The most rigorous Ekadashi — a waterless fast equivalent to all 24 Ekadashis combined. | 25 Jun | Shukla |
| July | Devshayani Vishnu enters yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra) for 4 months (Chaturmas). Avoid auspicious starts during Chaturmas. | 25 Jul | Shukla |
| August | AjaNext Also called Annada Ekadashi. Fasting grants the merit of performing Ashwamedha yajna. | 9 Aug | Krishna |
| August | Putrada Second Putrada Ekadashi of the year. Observed especially by childless couples seeking divine blessings. | 23 Aug | Shukla |
| September | Indira Specifically for liberating ancestors stuck in lower realms. Observed during Pitru Paksha. | 7 Sept | Krishna |
| September | Parivartini Vishnu turns over in his cosmic sleep. Marks the mid-point of Chaturmas. Tulsi planting begins. | 22 Sept | Shukla |
| October | Rama Removes all sins and worldly sorrows. Observed on the 11th day before Diwali. | 6 Oct | Krishna |
| October | Papankusha Even the greatest sinner is purified. The spear (ankusha) of this Ekadashi pierces all sins. | 22 Oct | Shukla |
| November | Utpanna The day Ekadashi Devi emerged from Lord Vishnu to defeat the demon Muran. Origin of the Ekadashi vrata. | 5 Nov | Krishna |
| November | Devutthana Vishnu wakes from Yoga Nidra. Marks end of Chaturmas. Tulsi Vivah is performed. Most auspicious marriages begin. | 21 Nov | Shukla |
| December | Saphala Grants success (saphala) in all undertakings. Story of the great sinner Lumpaka's redemption. | 4 Dec | Krishna |
| December | Mokshada Grants liberation (moksha) to ancestors. Gita Jayanti — the Bhagavad Gita was recited on this day. | 20 Dec | Shukla |
Ekadashi FAQ
What time does Ekadashi start and end?
Ekadashi begins when the 11th tithi starts and ends when the 12th tithi (Dwadashi) begins. The exact time differs by city and day. The Parana (fast-breaking) window is the auspicious period after sunrise on Dwadashi when you must break the fast — ideally within 2 hours of sunrise.
Can we eat on Ekadashi?
The strictest form (Nirjala) prohibits even water. Most devotees observe a fruit-and-milk fast, strictly avoiding rice, wheat, beans, and pulses. Non-observing family members may eat normally. Break the fast the next morning during the Parana window.
What is the difference between Shukla and Krishna Ekadashi?
Shukla Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the waxing moon (bright fortnight), while Krishna Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the waning moon (dark fortnight). Both are equally sacred. All 24 Ekadashis per year are observed.
Which Ekadashi is most important?
Nirjala Ekadashi (June) carries the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Devshayani Ekadashi (July) marks the start of Chaturmas. In South India, Vaikunta Ekadashi (December–January) is the most celebrated.