Ekadashi fasts hold great significance in Hinduism. Each month has two Ekadashi dates - one in Shukla Paksha and the other one in Krishna Paksha. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of each fortnight and is dedicated especially to fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. This day is observed as a time for devotion, penance, and spiritual practice. It is believed that observing the Ekadashi fast destroys all sins and leads a person toward liberation.
There are about 24 to 25 Ekadashi dates in a year, each with its own name, significance, and associated rituals. Every Ekadashi comes with unique worship methods and traditional stories that are considered important for one’s spiritual growth.
According to Vedic astrology, the position of the moon has a strong impact on a person’s mental and physical state. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to help moon influence, reducing mental stress and supporting physical well-being.
Ekadashi Date List 2026
| Month | Paksha | Ekadashi | Tithi Begins | Tithi End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Krishna | Shattila Ekadashi | 03:17 PM, Jan 13 | 05:52 PM, Jan 14 |
| January | Shukla | Jaya Ekadashi | 04:35 PM, Jan 28 | 01:55 PM, Jan 29 |
| February | Krishna | Vijaya Ekadashi | 12:22 PM, Feb 12 | 02:25 PM, Feb 13 |
| February | Shukla | Amalaki Ekadashi | 12:33 AM, Feb 27 | 10:32 PM, Feb 27 |
| March | Krishna | Papmochani Ekadashi | 08:10 AM, Mar 14 | 09:16 AM, Mar 15 |
| March | Shukla | Kamada Ekadashi | 08:45 AM, Mar 28 | 07:46 AM, Mar 29 |
| April | Krishna | Varuthini Ekadashi | 01:16 AM, Apr 13 | 01:08 AM, Apr 14 |
| April | Shukla | Mohini Ekadashi | 06:06 PM, Apr 26 | 06:15 PM, Apr 27 |
| May | Krishna | Apara Ekadashi | 02:52 PM, May 12 | 01:29 PM, May 13 |
| May | Shukla | Padmini Ekadashi | 05:10 AM, May 26 | 06:21 AM, May 27 |
| June | Krishna | Parama Ekadashi | 12:57 AM, Jun 11 | 10:36 PM, Jun 11 |
| June | Shukla | Nirjala Ekadashi | 06:12 PM, Jun 24 | 08:09 PM, Jun 25 |
| July | Krishna | Yogini Ekadashi | 08:16 AM, Jul 10 | 05:22 AM, Jul 11 |
| July | Shukla | Devshayani Ekadashi | 09:12 AM, Jul 24 | 11:34 AM, Jul 25 |
| August | Krishna | Kamika Ekadashi | 01:59 PM, Aug 08 | 11:04 AM, Aug 09 |
| August | Shukla | Shravan Putrada Ekadashi | 02:00 AM, Aug 23 | 04:18 AM, Aug 24 |
| September | Krishna | Aja Ekadashi | 07:29 PM, Sep 06 | 05:03 PM, Sep 07 |
| September | Shukla | Parivartini Ekadashi | 08:00 PM, Sep 21 | 09:43 PM, Sep 22 |
| October | Krishna | Indira Ekadashi | 02:07 AM, Oct 06 | 12:34 AM, Oct 07 |
| October | Shukla | Papankusha Ekadashi | 02:11 PM, Oct 21 | 02:47 PM, Oct 22 |
| November | Krishna | Rama Ekadashi | 11:03 AM, Nov 04 | 10:35 AM, Nov 05 |
| November | Shukla | Devutthan Ekadashi | 07:15 AM, Nov 20 | 06:31 AM, Nov 21 |
| December | Krishna | Utpana Ekadashi | 11:03 PM, Dec 03 | 11:44 PM, Dec 04 |
| December | Shukla | Mokshada Ekadashi | 10:09 PM, Dec 19 | 08:14 PM, Dec 20 |
Religious Significance of Ekadashi Fast
The Ekadashi fast holds immense religious importance in Hinduism. This sacred day is dedicated to fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. According to traditional beliefs, observing a fast on Ekadashi brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu, destroys all sins, and ultimately leads one towards liberation. The primary purpose of the Ekadashi fast is to purify the soul and deepen one’s devotion to God.
How to Observe the Ekadashi Fast
A person observing the Ekadashi fast should eat a light, sattvic meal on the previous day, known as Dashami. This meal typically includes simple and pure vegetarian food. On the day of Ekadashi, one must avoid consuming grains. Many devotees even undertake a Nirjala fast, where they refrain from drinking water as well. Generally, only fruits, milk, and water are consumed during the fast. Throughout the day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu with devotion and remain committed to the fast.
Benefits of Ekadashi Fast
Ekadashi fasting offers numerous spiritual and physical benefits. Spiritually, it is believed to be a powerful way to attain the grace of Lord Vishnu, helping dissolve past sins and guiding one toward moksha. Physically, the fast provides rest to the digestive system, promotes detoxification, and helps the body eliminate toxins, contributing to overall health improvement.
