Ekadashi Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both Shukla and Krishna paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered highly meritorious; each lunar month has two Ekadashis, and many have traditional names (e.g. Kamada, Nirjala, Vaikunta).
Ekadashi Mythology & Legend
According to the Padma Purana and other texts, Ekadashi is the day when Vishnu is especially pleased. The demon Muran was defeated on this day. Observing the vrat is said to remove sins and grant liberation. Different Ekadashis have specific legends and benefits.
Ekadashi Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a full fast (no grains) or fruit-and-milk fast from sunrise to next sunrise.
- Take a bath at sunrise; offer tulsi, flowers, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.
- Chant Vishnu mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama; stay in a calm, devotional mood.
- Break the fast on Dwadashi after sunrise within the Parana time.
Ekadashi Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Vasudeva
Ekadashi Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Fruits
- ●Milk
- ●No grains during fast
- ●Break on Dwadashi
Ekadashi Regional Celebrations across India
North India(एकादशी)
Vishnu fasting, Parana after sunrise
South India(ஏகாதசி)
Same observance, temple visits
Ekadashi Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Fast with devotion
- ✓Worship Vishnu
- ✓Chant mantras
- ✓Break within Parana time
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat grains on Ekadashi
- ✗Avoid breaking before Dwadashi
- ✗Do not consume onion or garlic
Ekadashi — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ekadashi?
- Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both Shukla and Krishna paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- When is Ekadashi 2026?
- In 2026, Ekadashi falls on Monday, April 27, 2026.
- What are the Ekadashi puja rituals?
- Observe a full fast (no grains) or fruit-and-milk fast from sunrise to next sunrise.; Take a bath at sunrise; offer tulsi, flowers, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.; Chant Vishnu mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama; stay in a calm, devotional mood.; Break the fast on Dwadashi after sunrise within the Parana time.
- What to eat on Ekadashi?
- Fruits, Milk, No grains during fast, Break on Dwadashi
- What should you do on Ekadashi?
- Fast with devotion; Worship Vishnu; Chant mantras
- What should you avoid on Ekadashi?
- Do not eat grains on Ekadashi; Avoid breaking before Dwadashi; Do not consume onion or garlic
- Which deity is worshipped on Ekadashi?
- Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu.
Upcoming Ekadashi Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Ekadashi is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 2026 | Monday | 03:04 pm | Mohini |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | 02:47 am | Varuthini |
| May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | 02:51 pm | Nirjala |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | 03:46 pm | Nirjala |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Thursday | 01:49 am | Apara |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Thursday | 03:33 pm | Nirjala |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Saturday | 04:15 pm | Devshayani |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Sunday | 01:32 am | Yogini |
| Aug 23, 2026 | Sunday | 03:50 pm | Putrada |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Monday | 01:35 am | Kamika |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Tuesday | 03:48 pm | Parivartini |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Tuesday | 01:42 am | Aja |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Thursday | 03:21 pm | Papankusha |
| Nov 5, 2026 | Thursday | 02:42 am | Rama |
| Dec 4, 2026 | Friday | 02:33 am | Utthana |