Ekadasi Vrat 2026 – Dates, Rules & Significance

 

Ekadasi Vrat – The Auspicious Day of Lord Vishnu

Meaning & Significance

• Ekadasi in Sanskrit means Eleven.
• Observed on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight (both Krishna Paksha & Shukla Paksha).
• Devotees believe Ekadasi fasting pleases Lord Vishnu, purifies the body, and aids spiritual progress.
• It is considered the most auspicious day for Vaishnavas, often called the “King of Vratas.”

Rules for Ekadasi Upvaas

• Avoid cereals & salt: No rice, wheat, pulses, or salty food.
• Water fasting: If possible, stay on water; lukewarm water or lemon‑mishri water is recommended.
• Light diet: If hungry, take milk or fruits (but not milk with fruits together).
• Avoid heavy foods: No sabudana, fried snacks, potato chips, or bananas (hard to digest).
• Spiritual focus:
• Practice maun‑japa (silent chanting of God’s name).
• Engage in dhyan (meditation) and bhajan (devotional singing).
• Stay awake longer at night in remembrance of Lord Vishnu.
• Inner discipline: Think of the vrat as an offering to God and a step forward in sadhana.

Ekadasi Dates – 2026

Month	Date	Ekadasi Name
January	14	Shattila Ekadasi
January	29	Jaya Ekadasi
February	13	Vijaya Ekadasi
February	27	Amalaki Ekadasi
March	15	Papmochani Ekadasi
March	29	Kamada Ekadasi
April	13	Varuthini Ekadasi
April	27	Mohini Ekadasi
May	13	Apara Ekadasi
May	27	Padmini Ekadasi
June	11	Parama Ekadasi
June	25	Nirjala Ekadasi
July	10	Yogini Ekadasi
July	25	Devshayani Ekadasi
August	09	Kamika Ekadasi
August	23	Shravana Putrada Ekadasi
September	07	Aja Ekadasi
September	22	Parsva Ekadasi
October	06	Indira Ekadasi
October	22	Papankusha Ekadasi
November	05	Rama Ekadasi
November	20	Devutthana Ekadasi
December	04	Utpanna Ekadasi
December	20	Mokshada Ekadasi, Vaikunta Ekadasi