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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.