Ekadashi has two occasions in each Hindu lunar month, on the 11th day of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. We celebrate 24 Ekadashis every year. The 5 most popular Ekadashis are Padmini Ekadashi on May 27, Nirjala Ekadashi on June 25, Devshayani Ekadashi on July 24, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi on December 20. In this guide, we will cover when the Ekadashis will be celebrated in the year 2026, their date and tithi, the importance of fasting on those days, and how to fast on Ekadashi.

What is Ekadashi? 

Meaning of Ekadashi: 

The word ekadashi comes from Sanskrit, where Eka means “one” and Dasha means “ten”, which describes the number 11. Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar that occurs twice a month on the 11th day of the lunar cycle. On this day, devotees fast and chant to Lord Vishnu or Krishna. 

Who is Ekadashi dedicated to:

Every Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu Bhagwan. According to the Padma Purana, goddess Ekadashi was born from Lord Vishnu’s body to defeat the Mura Rakshasa. Pleased with her immense devotion, Bhagwan Vishnu blessed her with the boon that whoever will fast in Ekadashi in her name will be liberated from sins and granted moksha. A Sanskrit shloka that defines this properly is:

|| एकादशी व्रतं विष्णोः सर्वपापप्रणाशनम् ||
(The Ekadashi Vrat of Lord Vishnu destroys all sins)

Who is Ekadashi Devi? 

Ekadashi Devi is a Hindu Goddess, regarded as a feminine shakti of Lord Vishnu. She has emerged from his body as a warrior to protect him. She fought with the Mura rakshasa and killed him with a single roar. When Vishnu Bhagwan woke up, she told the entire incident. Please with this, lord Vishnu named her as “Ekadashi” and gave her a vardaan that:

"जो मनुष्य इस एकादशी का उपवास करेगा, उसके समस्त पाप नष्ट हो जाएंगे और उसे अंत में वैकुण्ठ की प्राप्ति होगी।”

Fasting on the day of Ekadashi is considered one of the most purifying acts of devotion in Hinduism.

Ekadashi 2026: All Dates & Tithi 

All Ekadashis 2026: Names, Dates & Significance

Every Ekadashi has its own significance and story. Let us go through all the Ekadashi names and their significance. 

Shattila Ekadashi 2026

The word Shattila comes from shat, which means six, and Tila, which means sesame seed. This Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month, typically in January. In 2026, it is observed on 14 January 2026, Wednesday. On this day, people used to bathe in water mixed with sesame seeds, apply sesame seed paste to the body, perform homa, donate sesame seeds, and more.

Jaya Ekadashi 2026

The word Jaya means victory. This Ekadashi falls in the shukla paksha of Magha month that typically observed in January. In 2026, it is observed on Thursday, 29th January. On this day, people fast to pure the soul of past sins. This fast is believed to help devotees to defeat their fear, overcome their bad habits, and achieve salvation.  

Vijaya Ekadashi 2026

The word Vijaya means victory. This Ekadashi vart helps devotees to overcome difficult life situations, remove obstacles, and achieve success. According to the Purana, Lord Rama kept this Ekadashi fast before building the bridge to Lanka. In 2026, it is observed on 13th February.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2026

On this Ekadashi, people worship the Amla tree, which is believed to be the residence of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Vishnu bhaktas clean the area around the amla tree, decorate it with flowers & diyas, and do a strict fast by only consuming fruits, milk, and water.

Papamochani Ekadashi 2026

The word Papamochani means liberator from sins. It holds immense significance as the final Ekadashi of the Hindu year. It is believed that fasting on this day washes all the paap, and also helps to clear the mind, body, and soul.

Kamada Ekadashi 2026

The term kamada means the fulfiller of desires. Devotees believe that keeping a fast on this day fulfills deep and righteous desires. It is also marked as the first ekadashi of the Hindu New Year. Some devotees observe a strict fast without water or food, while others observe only a satvik fast.

Varuthini Ekadashi 2026

The word “Varuthini” means protection or armour, acting as a protective shield for devotees. This Ekadashi is dedicated to the fifth avatar of Lord Vamana. This fast is believed to create a protective shield for the devotees from negative karma and evil.

Mohini Ekadashi 2026

This Ekadashi is named after Vishnu Bhagwan Mohini avatar, which he assumed during the Samudra Manthan to retrieve the amrit from the rakshasa. It is believed that doing this fast with a pure heart can remove even the heaviest of sins.

Apara Ekadashi 2026

The term apara means boundless or something without limit. At the time of the Mahabharata, lord krishna said to Yudhishthira that keeping this fast guarantees protection and fulfills the earnest desires of the devotees.

Padmini Ekadashi 2026

Padmini Ekadashi is a rare Ekadashi that is only observed during the Adhik Maas. This Ekadashi is named “Padmini,” which means lotus, to inspire a lotus-like mindset. According to the Skanda Purana, it is believed that keeping this fast helps remove obstacles and fulfill all wishes.

Parama Ekadashi 2026

This Ekadashi occurs during the Adhik Maas, which means it only arrives once in every three years. According to the Puranas, keeping this fast removes poverty, misery, and past sins.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi. According to the Hindu mythology, doing this single fast without drinking water throughout the day with pure devotion is equal to all 24 Ekadashis in a year.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026

In 2026, Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on 10 July. This Ekadashi is regarded as a powerful remedy to heal skin diseases and stress. Shree Krishna said to Yudhishthira that doing this Ekadashi Vart pulls the individuals out of materialistic attachments.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026

The word Devshayani describes “God’s Sleep”. On this Ekadashi, Chaturmas begins. During this period, ceremonies such as weddings are typically paused. It is believed that Lord Vishnu goes into a deep sleep and awakens after four months on Devutthan Ekadashi.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026

The Kamika EKadashi is observed during the holy Shravan month. Fasting or listening to the Vart Katha on this day is believed that it free the mind from negative thoughts and cleanse the soul from past sins.

Putrada Ekadashi 2026

Putrada Ekadashi Vart is done by both the husband and the wife for receiving the divine blessings for begetting a son. In 2026, this ekadashi is observed in Chaturmas on 23rd August.

Aja Ekadashi 2026

The word “Aja” means “unborn” or eternal, which refers to the immortal soul. According to the Hindu stories, King Harishchandra kept this fast and was absolved of his misfortunes, and was able to reclaim his family and country.

Parivartini Ekadashi 2026

The term Parivartini means “turning”. It is believed that lord vishnu has turned his sleeping position from left to right on this day, bringing a significant shift in the energy balance of the whole universe.

Indira Ekadashi 2026

This Ekadashi falls during the Pitru Paksha. Devotees believe that fasting on this day removes all sins and grants salvation to the ancestors.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 
In 2026, this Ekadashi will be observed on October 22. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, a divine form of Lord Venkateshwara (Vishnu). It is believed that keeping this fast destroys all past sins.    

Rama Ekadashi 2026

The word “Rama” is another name of the goddess Laxmi. Rama Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month, which is just before the festival of Diwali. Doing the fast on this day is believed to cleanse sins and grant prosperity.

Devutthana Ekadashi 2026

Devutthana Ekadashi is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from the four months of Yoga Nidra. It marks the return of happiness, prosperity, and the official day to restart the wedding and Hindu ceremonies. Also, devotees perform Tulsi Vivaah with Shaligram on this day.

Utpanna Ekadashi 2026

On this Ekadashi, Devi Ekadashi was born from Lord Vishnu’s body to destroy the Mura rakshasa. It is believed that doing fast from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi until the sunrise of Dwadashi cleanses the soul of past sins.

Mokshada Ekadashi 2026

This Ekadashi translates to “Ekadashi of Liberation.” People believed that doing this fast cleanses the devotee's past sins and also provides salvation not just for the one who keeps the fast, but also for their ancestors.

Ekadashi Vart Vidhi

Ekadashi Vart is one of the most auspicious fasts in the Hindu calendar. It is observed on the 11th day of both the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha. There are a total of 24 Ekadasis in a year. Fasting on this day does not mean skipping meals. If it is done with the right preparation, the rules help to purify the mind and bring one closer to moksha. In this section, we will go through the step-by-step vidhi.

Day Before Dashami Tithi

The Ekadashi vart actually begins on the Dashami Tithi in the evening. Here is what to do on the Dashami Tithi:

• Eating the Satvik Bhojan, avoid non-veg food, garlic, onion, masoor dal, and urad dal.
• Eat your last meal before sunset, which is around 6-7 pm.
• Take a Bath and keep the body clean on this day.
• Sleep on the floor to be disciplined.
• Set your sankalp to affirm your intentions of fasting for the next day.

Ekadashi Day

• Wake up early in the morning during Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a Bath before sunrise.
• Use Clean Clothes (something in white or yellow).
• Clean your pooja space and home.
• Place a Krishna Idol, Laddu Gopal Idol, or Vishnu Bhagwan murti.
• Light a Ghee Diya in front of Prabhu.
• Offer Tulsi Leaves to Lord Vishnu, make sure not to do Ekadashi pooja without
• offering a Tulsi Leaf.
• Read or listen to the Ekadashi Katha for the particular Ekadashi.

On Next Day (Dwadashi Day)

On this day, people break their Ekadashi Fast, and it has its own rules: 

• Parana timing plays a major role on this day. The Fast must be broken within the timings, as mentioned above.
• Break the Fast by drinking some water and Tulsi leaves, it is the traditional way of breaking the Ekadashi Fast.
• Donate or feed the Food to Brahmin, or give it to some needy person.
• Recite a short prayer to Bhagwan Vishnu to thank him for giving the strength to complete the Vart.

What to eat on Ekadashi Vart?

Many of the people ask, “Ekadashi mein kya khaye or kya na khaye”. In this section, we will discuss what to eat on Ekadashi and what to avoid on Ekadashi. 

Ekadashi Mein Kya Khaye? 

• All types of fruits: You can consume any type of food on this day.
• Dairy: You can have milk, curd, homemade paneer, ghee, and buttermilk.
• Non-grain foods: On Ekadashi, you can have Singhare kka atta, kuttu ka atta, rajgira atta, sabudana, or arrowroot flour.
• Veggies: You can consume veggies, such as Potatoes, Arbi, Sweet Potatoes, Yam, Raw Banana, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Raw Papaya, Tomato, Spinach, and Lauki.
• Dry Fruits: Eating Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Peanuts, Pistachios, and Fox Nuts on Ekadashi is allowed.
• Sweeteners & Spices: You can eat Sweeteners like Rock sugar, gur, or honey. And in Spices you can have Sendha Namak, Jeera, Kali mirch, green cardamom, dry ginger, ajwain, or cloves.
• Other food items: You can also consume coconut water, lemon water, herbal teas, or plain water on the day of Ekadashi. 

Ekadashi Mein Kya Na Khaye? 

• All Grains: You should avoid Grains such as Rice, Wheat (Gehun & Maida), Barley, Corn, Millets (Bajra, Jowar, Ragi), Oats, Semolina, Breads, Biscuits, Pasta, Noodles.
• Dals or Lentils: Urad dal, Masoor dal, Chana dal, Moong dal, legumes (Rajma, Chole, or lobiya)
• Veggies: You should not be allowed to eat veggies like Onion, Garlic, brinjal, leafy greens (methi).
• Salts & Condiments: Regular Salt, Vinegar, soya sauce, fermented condiments are strictly asked to avoid on this day.
• Non-Vegetarian: On the day of Ekadashi, all non-vegetarian items are strictly prohibited.
• Other items: Alcohol, tobacco, packaged foods, or chewing gums are also prohibited on the Ekadashi day.

Puja Samagri Checklist

Before the Ekadashi day, you should gather the pooja samagri in advance. Here is the list of items you should have on the day of Ekadashi Vart: 

Altar Essentials

• Lord Vishnu idol, Krishna Idol, or Ladoo Gopal Idol
• Tulsi Mala
• Fresh Tulsi Leaves
• Yellow cloth for Altar

Items Required for Pooja

• Ghee diya
• Camphor
• Agarbatti
• Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, Sugar for Panchamrit Abhishek
• Chandan for Tilak
• Haldi and Kumkum
• Rice (Akshat)
• Yellow or white flowers

Bhog

• Dry Fuirts
• Mishri
• Makhana
• Coconut
• Panchamrit
• Tulsi leaves 

Katha Book & Other Items

• Ekadashi Vart Katha Book for reading the katha
• Tulsi Mala for Jaap
• Shankh for aarti
• Kalash with water
• Mango Leaves

Conclusion

Ekadashi is the most sacred vart that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing the Ekadashi Vart with pure devotion, proper Vart Vidhi, and correct parana timing is believed to clear your mind, reduce stress, and bring peace to your life. If you want to purchase a Vishu murti or a Krishna murti, you can explore our unique collection of god idols at Haritual. Moreover, this explained guide will help you to Fast on Ekadashi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does Ekadashi Vart come in every 15 days?
Ans 1: Yes, Ekadashi comes in every 15 days according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. There are two Ekadashis in every Hindu Lunar month, one in the Shukla Paksh and the other one is one Krishna Paksh. 

Q2: Can I skip my Ekadashi fast?
Ans 2: Yes, you can skip your Ekadashi Vart if you are not able to do it due to a health issue, unexpected travel, or due to some other reasons. Instead, if possible, you can keep the fast on the Dwadashi Day or even do the simple practices like reading Katha and having satvik bhojan.

Q3: Which Ekadashi is the strongest of all 24 Ekadashis?
Ans 3: A simple answer is Nirjala Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, where devotees follow a strict Vart by not consuming food and water throughout the day of Ekadashi. 
 
Q4: Can I drink water on Ekadashi Vart?
Ans 4: Yes, you can drink water on Ekadashi Vart, but it completely depends on what type of Fast you are going to do. Ekadashi Vart is observed in different ways, some of which are listed below:

• Nirjala Vart: Doing the Fast without Food or Water.
• Jal Vart: Keeping the Fast only on the Water.
• Phalahar Vart: Observing the fast by having fruits, milk, nuts, and water.
• Partial Vart: If you are not able to do fast without food or water, you can consume water, fruits, milk, or one simple satvik meal. 

Q5: What if I accidentally eat rice on Ekadashi?
Ans 5: If you have eaten the rice by mistake on Ekadashi or Ekadashi Vart in does not break the fast. In Hindu traditions, it is believed that God values devotion over perfection. Simply pray, ask for forgiveness, continue the Vart for the rest of the day, and break it according on the Dwadashi morning. 

Q6: How many times can we eat during the Ekadashi fast?
Ans 6: The number of meals you can eat during Ekadashi Vart totally depends on what type of vart you choose. Most of the people follow the methods below: 

• Complete Fast (Nirjala): No food or water for the entire day.
• Phalahar: Eating Fruits, Milk, Nuts, or Vart food once a day.
• Two Meals: Some of the devotees eat light satvik bhojan twice a day.
• Only Fruits or Liquids: Some people eat a small portion of fruits and liquids.