Ekadashi 2026 Dates: Complete Year Calendar with Vrat Rules
Ekadashi 2026 begins on January 11, 2026 (Pausha Krishna Ekadashi — Saphala Ekadashi) and the most significant dates include Nirjala Ekadashi on June 24, 2026 (the strictest waterless fast), Deva Shayani Ekadashi on July 6, 2026 (when Vishnu begins his four-month sleep and the Chaturmas period begin
Ekadashi 2026 begins on January 11, 2026 (Pausha Krishna Ekadashi — Saphala Ekadashi) and the most significant dates include Nirjala Ekadashi on June 24, 2026 (the strictest waterless fast), Deva Shayani Ekadashi on July 6, 2026 (when Vishnu begins his four-month sleep and the Chaturmas period begins), Devuthani Ekadashi on November 3, 2026 (when Vishnu awakens and the marriage season reopens), and Vaikuntha/Mokshada Ekadashi on December 1, 2026 (when the Bhagavad Gita was spoken and the gates of Vaikuntha are said to open). Below is the complete 2026 Ekadashi calendar.
Reviewed by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, M.A. Sanskrit & Vedic Studies, Varanasi — as of May 2026.
Ekadashi falls twice per lunar month — once in the waning fortnight (Krishna Paksha) and once in the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha). Each Ekadashi has a specific name, Vrat Katha, and associated boon. For all timing decisions — including exact tithi start and Parana windows — verify with a current Panchang for your city, as these vary by location. Check how Ekadashi energies interact with your Moon sign and 11th house using the free birth chart calculator.
Complete Ekadashi 2026 Calendar
| Date | Ekadashi Name | Paksha | Month | Special Significance | |------|--------------|--------|-------|---------------------| | January 11, 2026 | Saphala Ekadashi | Krishna | Pausha | Fulfillment; removes old failures | | January 27, 2026 | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla | Pausha | Boon of progeny; very auspicious | | February 9, 2026 | Shattila Ekadashi | Krishna | Magha | Sesame seed offerings; liberation | | February 26, 2026 | Jaya Ekadashi | Shukla | Magha | Frees from ghost-existence karma | | March 11, 2026 | Vijaya Ekadashi | Krishna | Phalguna | Victory in all endeavors | | March 27, 2026 | Amalaki Ekadashi | Shukla | Phalguna | Sacred to Amalaki tree; spring Ekadashi | | April 9, 2026 | Papamochani Ekadashi | Krishna | Chaitra | Destroys all sins (Papa) | | April 27, 2026 | Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla | Chaitra | Fulfills desires; removes curses | | May 9, 2026 | Varuthini Ekadashi | Krishna | Vaishakha | Protection; removes past life debts | | May 27, 2026 | Mohini Ekadashi | Shukla | Vaishakha | Removes Maya (illusion); clarity | | June 8, 2026 | Apara Ekadashi | Krishna | Jyeshtha | Unlimited merit; removes sin | | June 24, 2026 | Nirjala Ekadashi | Shukla | Jyeshtha | Strictest fast — no water; equal to all 24 Ekadashis | | July 7, 2026 | Yogini Ekadashi | Krishna | Ashadha | Liberation from disease | | July 25, 2026 | Deva Shayani Ekadashi | Shukla | Ashadha | Vishnu begins Yoga Nidra; Chaturmas begins | | August 6, 2026 | Kamika Ekadashi | Krishna | Shravana | During Chaturmas; Shiva connection | | August 24, 2026 | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | Shukla | Shravana | Progeny; during Vishnu's sleep | | September 4, 2026 | Aja Ekadashi | Krishna | Bhadrapada | Removes all manner of sin | | September 23, 2026 | Parsva Ekadashi | Shukla | Bhadrapada | Vishnu turns over in Yoga Nidra | | October 4, 2026 | Indira Ekadashi | Krishna | Ashwina | Liberates ancestors from hell | | October 22, 2026 | Rama Ekadashi | Shukla | Ashwina | Post-Navratri; connects to Rama | | November 3, 2026 | Devuthani Ekadashi | Shukla | Kartika | Vishnu awakens; marriage season begins | | November 18, 2026 | Utpatti Ekadashi | Krishna | Margashirsha | Birth of Ekadashi herself | | December 1, 2026 | Vaikuntha/Mokshada Ekadashi | Shukla | Margashirsha | Gates of Vaikuntha open; Gita was spoken | | December 18, 2026 | Saphala Ekadashi | Krishna | Pausha | Year's final Ekadashi; renewal |
Note: All dates are approximate based on the Purnimant (North Indian) calendar. South Indian (Amavasyant) dates may differ by 1 month for some Ekadashis. Always verify with a current Panchang for your city.
What Are the Most Important Ekadashis in 2026?
Nirjala Ekadashi (June 24, 2026) is the most meritorious single day — the Padma Purana states that this one waterless fast equals the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis. The fast begins before sunrise and ends at the Parana time on June 25 (verify in Panchang). Even water is forbidden during the entire Nirjala Ekadashi fast.
Deva Shayani Ekadashi (July 25, 2026) begins the Chaturmas — the four-month period when Vishnu sleeps. No marriages, no new ventures, no house entry ceremonies should be performed from July 25 until Devuthani Ekadashi on November 3. This period is used for spiritual intensification.
Devuthani Ekadashi (November 3, 2026) is the single most important day for marriages and auspicious beginnings. When Vishnu awakens, the most potent Muhurtas (auspicious moments) for marriage become available. Tulsi Vivah (Vishnu's symbolic marriage with the Tulsi plant) is performed on this day.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi (December 1, 2026) is the day the Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Krishna to Arjuna — specifically on a Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi. In South India, this day is celebrated with enormous importance at Vaishnava temples (Tirupati, Srirangam), where the northern gate of the temple (symbolizing Vaikuntha) opens only on this day.
What Is the Chaturmas Period in 2026?
Chaturmas 2026 runs from July 25 (Deva Shayani Ekadashi) to November 3 (Devuthani Ekadashi) — a period of approximately 4 months during which Vishnu observes cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra). During this period: marriages and major auspicious ceremonies are avoided. Spiritual practices are intensified. The Parsva Ekadashi (September 23) marks the midpoint when Vishnu "turns over" in his sleep. The Chaturmas restrictions are especially followed in Vaishnavas households.
What Are the Parana Times for Ekadashi 2026?
The Parana (fast-breaking) time is calculated fresh for each Ekadashi — it cannot be given as a fixed time for all dates. The Parana window opens after sunrise on Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi) and must close before the Dwadashi tithi ends. For each specific Ekadashi in the 2026 calendar, check a city-specific Panchang (Drik Panchang is the most widely used digital Panchang). Breaking fast outside the Parana window reduces the merit of the fast.
What Is the Vrat Method for 2026 Ekadashis?
The standard method applies to all 24 Ekadashis. On the previous day (Dashami): eat before sunset, no food afterward, evening Vishnu prayer. On Ekadashi: wake before sunrise, bathe, light lamp before Vishnu image, state Sankalp (intention with the specific Ekadashi name and purpose), observe food restrictions, read the day's specific Vrat Katha, chant Vishnu names throughout the day, perform evening Aarti. On Dwadashi (Parana day): break fast within the Parana window — water first, then Tulsi, then light grain-based meal.
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Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology, 20+ Years Experience
18 + Years of Experience
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Dr. Meenakshi Sharma is a distinguished Vedic astrologer with a PhD in Vedic Astrology and over 20 years of professional experience in the ancient science of Jyotisha. Her extensive practice encompasses thousands of chart readings, predictive analyses, and remedial consultations, making her uniquely qualified to bridge traditional Vedic wisdom with contemporary applications. As a contributing writer for AstroSight, Dr. Sharma specializes in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures, sharing her deep knowledge through insightful articles that make complex astrological concepts accessible to practitioners at all levels. Her approach combines rigorous academic training with ethical consultation standards, empowering clients through education and practical guidance while maintaining authentic adherence to classical Vedic principles.
