Everything you need to know about Ekadashi dates in 2026 — month by month, with fasting rules, significance, and a full Ekadashi calendar.
What Is Ekadashi? Understanding Its Sacred Significance
Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious and widely observed fasting days in the Hindu calendar. The word “Ekadashi” literally translates to “eleven” in Sanskrit — referring to the 11th day (tithi) of each lunar fortnight. Since the Hindu lunar month is divided into two fortnights — the bright half (Shukla Paksha) and the dark half (Krishna Paksha) — Ekadashi occurs twice every month, resulting in 24 Ekadashi dates per year (sometimes 25 in a leap lunar year).
Devotees observe Ekadashi vrat (fast) to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is said to be especially pleased on this day. According to the Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana, observing Ekadashi with devotion, discipline, and prayer cleanses past sins, removes negative karma, and guides the soul toward moksha (spiritual liberation).
Whether you are a devout Hindu seeking spiritual merit or someone curious about the Ekadashi calendar 2026, this comprehensive guide covers every date, its name, significance, and fasting guidelines.
Why Is Ekadashi Observed? The Spiritual & Astrological Connection
The observance of Ekadashi is deeply rooted in both Vedic astrology and Puranic scriptures. On the 11th lunar day, the gravitational pull of the moon is believed to have a measurable effect on the human body — particularly on the digestive system and the subconscious mind. Fasting on this day is said to:
- Purify the body by giving the digestive system a complete rest
- Calm the mind and enhance spiritual receptivity
- Strengthen devotion to Lord Vishnu and his avatars (including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna)
- Remove the effects of negative karma accumulated over lifetimes
- Promote longevity, health, and prosperity when observed regularly
In Vaishnavism, Ekadashi is considered even more sacred than major festivals. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states that a person who faithfully fasts on all 24 Ekadashi days achieves merit equivalent to performing the Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice).
Ekadashi 2026 Date List — Complete Annual Calendar
Below is the complete Ekadashi 2026 list with all dates, names, paksha (lunar fortnight), and the presiding deity or significance of each vrat.
Table 1: Ekadashi 2026 Full Year Calendar
| Month | Ekadashi Name | Date (2026) | Paksha | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Saphala Ekadashi | January 1, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Fulfillment of desires; ruled by Lord Vishnu |
| January | Putrada Ekadashi | January 16, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Blesses couples with children and family prosperity |
| February | Shattila Ekadashi | January 31, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Fasting with sesame seeds; removes sins |
| February | Jaya Ekadashi | February 15, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Grants freedom from evil spirits and negative forces |
| March | Vijaya Ekadashi | March 2, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Bestows victory; observed by Lord Rama before battle |
| March | Amalaki Ekadashi | March 17, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Worship of Amla tree; cleanses all sins |
| April | Papamochani Ekadashi | April 1, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Destroys all sins; liberates from past misdeeds |
| April | Kamada Ekadashi | April 15, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Fulfills all desires; removes the sin of Brahmahatya |
| May | Varuthini Ekadashi | April 30, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Grants happiness, salvation, and removes evil |
| May | Mohini Ekadashi | May 15, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Removes delusion; blessed by Lord Vishnu as Mohini |
| June | Apara Ekadashi | May 30, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Bestows fame, wealth, and removes sins of false testimony |
| June | Nirjala Ekadashi | June 13, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Most powerful Ekadashi; observed without water |
| July | Yogini Ekadashi | June 28, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Removes leprosy and diseases; grants liberation |
| July | Devshayani Ekadashi | July 13, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Lord Vishnu begins cosmic sleep (Chaturmas begins) |
| August | Kamika Ekadashi | July 28, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Worship with Tulsi; removes all worldly sins |
| August | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | August 12, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Second Putrada Ekadashi; blesses with progeny |
| September | Aja Ekadashi | August 26, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Removes sins of all seven births |
| September | Parsva Ekadashi | September 10, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Lord Vishnu turns over in cosmic sleep |
| October | Indira Ekadashi | September 25, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Liberates ancestors from Pitru loka |
| October | Papankusha Ekadashi | October 10, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Removes sins; grants heavenly abode |
| November | Rama Ekadashi | October 24, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Destroys sins; observed with special Vishnu prayers |
| November | Devutthana Ekadashi | November 8, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Lord Vishnu awakens; auspicious for marriages |
| December | Utpanna Ekadashi | November 22, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Birth of Ekadashi goddess; most sacred origin day |
| December | Mokshada Ekadashi | December 8, 2026 | Shukla Paksha | Grants moksha to living and deceased ancestors |
| December | Saphala Ekadashi | December 22, 2026 | Krishna Paksha | Fulfills all desires; ends the year on a blessed note |
Note: Dates may vary slightly depending on your regional Hindu Panchang (Vaishnava or Smarta tradition). Always verify with your local Panchang for precise sunrise and tithi timings.
Ekadashi This Month (June 2026) — June Ekadashi Dates
For devotees asking “what is Ekadashi this month”, here are the two Ekadashi dates in June 2026 with their detailed vrat information:
Table 2: Ekadashi June 2026
| Ekadashi Name | Date | Day | Paksha | Tithi Start | Tithi End | Key Ritual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apara Ekadashi | May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Krishna Paksha | May 29 (evening) | May 30 (night) | Worship of Lord Trivikrama; offer tulsi and flowers |
| Nirjala Ekadashi | June 13, 2026 | Saturday | Shukla Paksha | June 12 (evening) | June 13 (night) | Fast without food AND water; most powerful vrat of the year |
Nirjala Ekadashi — also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi — falls in June 2026 and holds the distinction of being the most meritorious of all 24 Ekadashis. By observing this single waterless fast, a devotee earns the combined merit of all 24 Ekadashis.
Ekadashi December 2026 — Complete Information
Ekadashi December 2026 features two highly significant fasting days that close the year on a spiritually elevated note.
Table 3: Ekadashi December 2026
| Ekadashi Name | Date | Day | Paksha | Significance | Special Observance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mokshada Ekadashi | December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Shukla Paksha | This is the day the Bhagavad Gita was revealed by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Also called Gita Jayanti Ekadashi. | Read Bhagavad Gita; donate food and clothes to the needy |
| Saphala Ekadashi | December 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Krishna Paksha | Fulfills all worldly and spiritual wishes; last Ekadashi of the year | Offer coconut, guava, and flowers to Lord Vishnu |
Mokshada Ekadashi in December is one of the most spiritually charged days of the entire year. It is believed that fasting on this day not only liberates the observer but also rescues departed ancestors from hellish conditions. This day coincides with Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita’s revelation on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
How to Observe Ekadashi Vrat: Complete Fasting Rules & Rituals
Observing the Ekadashi vrat properly requires preparation, discipline, and devotion. Here is a step-by-step guide:
The Day Before Ekadashi (Dashami — 10th Lunar Day)
- Eat a light, sattvic (pure) meal the evening before Ekadashi
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and lentils from the Dashami evening itself
- Go to bed early and maintain mental purity
On Ekadashi Day
Morning Rituals:
- Wake up before sunrise (ideally during Brahma Muhurta — 4:00 to 5:30 AM)
- Take a bath and wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes
- Light a lamp (diya) before the image or idol of Lord Vishnu
- Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, and incense to the deity
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times with a rosary
Fasting Rules:
- Complete abstinence from grains, cereals, lentils, and beans
- Allowed foods: fruits, milk, curd, nuts, sabudana (sago), sendha namak (rock salt)
- For Nirjala Ekadashi: complete abstinence from food AND water
- Avoid sleeping during the daytime on Ekadashi
- Spend the day in prayer, reading scriptures, and chanting
Breaking the Fast (Parana) on Dwadashi (12th Lunar Day)
- Break the fast the next morning after sunrise
- Parana should be done within the Dwadashi tithi and before it ends
- Begin with a glass of water or light fruit
- Offer food to a Brahmin or the needy before eating yourself
Ekadashi 2026: Quarterly Overview
Table 4: Ekadashi 2026 — Quarterly Summary
| Quarter | Months | Ekadashi Dates | Most Important Ekadashi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | January, February, March | Jan 1, Jan 16, Jan 31, Feb 15, Mar 2, Mar 17 | Jaya Ekadashi (Feb 15) |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | April, May, June | Apr 1, Apr 15, Apr 30, May 15, May 30, Jun 13 | Nirjala Ekadashi (Jun 13) |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | July, August, September | Jun 28, Jul 13, Jul 28, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sep 10 | Devshayani Ekadashi (Jul 13) |
| Q4 (Oct–Dec) | October, November, December | Sep 25, Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 8, Nov 22, Dec 8, Dec 22 | Mokshada/Gita Ekadashi (Dec 8) |
Most Important Ekadashi Dates in 2026
Among all the Ekadashi dates in 2026, the following five hold extraordinary religious importance:
1. Nirjala Ekadashi — June 13, 2026
Considered the king of all Ekadashis, Nirjala Ekadashi requires the devotee to fast without food or water for the entire day. It grants the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis. According to the Mahabharata, it was Bhima (the second Pandava) who observed this extremely difficult fast after being unable to fast on other Ekadashis due to his insatiable hunger.
2. Devshayani Ekadashi — July 13, 2026
Also called Ashadhi Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, this marks the day Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) for four months until Devutthana Ekadashi. This period is called Chaturmas — a time of heightened spiritual practice. No auspicious rituals like marriages or griha pravesh are performed during these four months.
3. Devutthana Ekadashi — November 8, 2026
This Ekadashi marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his Chaturmas sleep. Also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Tulsi Vivah, this day signals the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. Observing this Ekadashi is said to remove all sins and grant prosperity.
4. Mokshada Ekadashi — December 8, 2026
Coinciding with Gita Jayanti, this Ekadashi is observed on the day Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagavad Gita. It grants moksha — not only to the observer but also to ancestors in Pitru loka. Reading or listening to the Bhagavad Gita on this day is considered supremely meritorious.
5. Utpanna Ekadashi — November 22, 2026
This Ekadashi commemorates the birth of the Ekadashi goddess herself. According to the Bhavishyottara Purana, Ekadashi was born from Lord Vishnu’s body to destroy the demon Mura. Observing this Ekadashi is believed to yield the merit of all other Ekadashis combined.
Ekadashi Vrat Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Allowed on Ekadashi Fast:
- Fresh fruits (banana, mango, apple, papaya, pomegranate)
- Milk, curd, paneer, ghee
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls), water chestnut flour (singhara atta)
- Rock salt (sendha namak) — regular salt is to be avoided
- Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins, walnuts)
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam (cooked without regular salt)
- Coconut and coconut water
Strictly Prohibited on Ekadashi:
- All grains — rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, corn
- All lentils and beans — dal, rajma, chana
- Onion and garlic (even on non-fasting days, the day before and after Ekadashi)
- Non-vegetarian food, eggs
- Regular table salt (iodized salt)
- Tobacco and alcohol
Ekadashi 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Ekadashi Days in 2026 | 25 (including one extra due to lunar calendar) |
| Most Sacred Ekadashi | Nirjala Ekadashi (June 13, 2026) |
| First Ekadashi of 2026 | Saphala Ekadashi — January 1, 2026 |
| Last Ekadashi of 2026 | Saphala Ekadashi — December 22, 2026 |
| Ekadashi This Month (June) | Apara Ekadashi (May 30) & Nirjala Ekadashi (June 13) |
| Ekadashi December 2026 | Mokshada Ekadashi (Dec 8) & Saphala Ekadashi (Dec 22) |
| Chaturmas Period | July 13 to November 8, 2026 |
| Presiding Deity | Lord Vishnu (Narayana) |
| Observance Frequency | Twice a month (Krishna & Shukla Paksha) |
The Spiritual Benefits of Observing Every Ekadashi in 2026
When a devotee commits to observing all Ekadashi dates in 2026, the cumulative spiritual benefits are immense:
- Karmic cleansing: Each Ekadashi erases specific categories of sin as described in respective Ekadashi Kathas (sacred narratives)
- Mental discipline: Regular fasting trains the mind and body, reducing attachment to material pleasures
- Ancestral liberation: Several Ekadashis — especially Indira, Mokshada, and Aja Ekadashi — are directly linked to the liberation of ancestors
- Wealth and prosperity: Ekadashis like Putrada, Kamada, and Saphala specifically bless devotees with material and familial abundance
- Moksha: Consistent Ekadashi observance throughout a lifetime is considered one of the most direct paths to liberation in Vaishnavism
Conclusion
The Ekadashi 2026 calendar offers 25 sacred fasting days spread across every month of the year. Each Ekadashi date carries its own unique name, legend, and spiritual benefit — from Saphala Ekadashi on January 1 that fulfills desires, to Mokshada Ekadashi on December 8 that grants liberation to both the living and their ancestors.
Whether you are looking for Ekadashi this month, planning your fasting schedule with the full Ekadashi 2026 list, or specifically researching Ekadashi December 2026 — this guide provides everything you need. The key is consistent, sincere observance: prepare properly on Dashami, fast with devotion, spend the day in scripture and prayer, and break the fast correctly on Dwadashi.
As the Vishnu Purana declares: “There is no vrat greater than Ekadashi, no deity greater than Vishnu, no relative greater than the mother, and no knowledge greater than self-realization.”
Make 2026 a year of spiritual transformation by honoring every Ekadashi date with devotion and dedication. 🙏
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How many Ekadashi are there in 2026?
A: There are 25 Ekadashi dates in 2026. Normally there are 24 per year (two per lunar month), but due to the nature of the Hindu lunar calendar, an additional Ekadashi may appear in certain years. Always consult your regional Panchang for local timings.
Q2. What is Ekadashi today in 2026?
A: To find out which Ekadashi falls today, refer to the complete Ekadashi 2026 date list provided above. Ekadashi occurs on the 11th tithi of both the Krishna and Shukla Paksha of every Hindu lunar month. For real-time updates, check a Hindu Panchang app or the Drik Panchang website.
Q3. What is the most important Ekadashi in 2026?
A: Nirjala Ekadashi (June 13, 2026) is widely regarded as the most important and most powerful Ekadashi of the year. Observing it — even without water — is said to grant the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Mokshada Ekadashi (December 8, 2026), which coincides with Gita Jayanti, is also of extraordinary significance.
Q4. What can I eat on Ekadashi vrat?
A: On Ekadashi vrat, you may consume fruits, milk, curd, paneer, ghee, sabudana, water chestnuts, rock salt, potatoes, sweet potatoes, dry fruits, and coconut. You must strictly avoid all grains, rice, wheat, lentils, regular salt, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
Q5. What is the difference between Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi dates?
A: In some years, Smarta (followers of Adi Shankaracharya’s tradition) and Vaishnava (followers of Vishnu/Vaishnavism) traditions observe Ekadashi on different days. This happens when the Ekadashi tithi spans two calendar days. Smartas typically observe on the first day, while Vaishnavas observe on the second (Shuddha) Ekadashi. Always confirm with your tradition’s Panchang.
Q6. Can pregnant women observe Ekadashi fast?
A: Pregnant women are generally advised not to observe a strict waterless Ekadashi fast. A partial fast — consuming fruits, milk, and light sattvic food — is acceptable. Always consult both a medical doctor and a religious authority before undertaking any rigorous fast during pregnancy.
Q7. What is Ekadashi December 2026?
A: There are two Ekadashi dates in December 2026: Mokshada Ekadashi on December 8 (Shukla Paksha) and Saphala Ekadashi on December 22 (Krishna Paksha). Mokshada Ekadashi is the more significant of the two, as it coincides with Gita Jayanti — the day Lord Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita.
Q8. What is the Ekadashi this month (June 2026)?
A: In June 2026, the two Ekadashi dates are Apara Ekadashi on May 30, 2026 and Nirjala Ekadashi on June 13, 2026. Nirjala Ekadashi is especially significant as the most powerful fasting day in the entire Hindu year.
Q9. Is Ekadashi observed by all Hindus?
A: Ekadashi is most prominently observed by Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu), but it is respected across all sects of Hinduism. It holds a particularly central place in the Vaishnava sampradayas (traditions) including ISKCON, Ramanuja Sampradaya, and Pushti Marg.
Q10. Where can I find authoritative Ekadashi calendar 2026 information?
A: For the most accurate and regionally verified Ekadashi calendar 2026, refer to sources such as the Drik Panchang, the official Vishnu Temples in your region, or a printed Hindu Panchang from a trusted publisher. Times and dates can vary by city based on sunrise calculations.
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