Ekadashi 2026: All Dates, Fasting Rules & Key Ekadashis Explained

Ekadashi is the 11th day of the lunar fortnight and the most sacred fast day for Lord Vishnu. There are 24 Ekadashis in 2026. Each has its own name, significance, and benefits. Complete guide to all Ekadashi dates, fasting rules, and the most important observances of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the 11th day (tithi) of both the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month. There are 24 Ekadashis in a regular year (26 in a leap year). Each Ekadashi has a distinct name and significance. Ekadashi is considered the most sacred day for fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. The Ekadashi fast (upvas) is one of the most widely observed Hindu fasts.

How many Ekadashi fasts are there in a year?

There are 24 Ekadashis in a regular year and 26 in a leap year (when Adhik Maas, an extra lunar month, is added). Each of the 12 Hindu months has two Ekadashis: one in the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and one in the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). The most important Ekadashis include Nirjala Ekadashi (June), Dev Shayani Ekadashi (July), Devuthani/Dev Uthani Ekadashi (November), and Vaikunta Ekadashi (December-January).

Why is Ekadashi fast important?

Ekadashi is considered especially sacred to Lord Vishnu. According to the Padma Purana, Vishnu himself told Brahma that Ekadashi is the best of all tithis. The fast is believed to purify the mind and body, reduce the influence of negative energies, and grant spiritual merit (punya) equivalent to major pilgrimages. Observing all 24 Ekadashis is said to grant moksha (liberation).

What can you eat on Ekadashi?

Ekadashi diet rules: Complete fast (Nirjala, without water) is the strictest form, observed especially on Nirjala Ekadashi. Regular Ekadashi allows fruits, milk, dry fruits, sabudana (tapioca), and sendha namak (rock salt). Strictly avoided: rice, regular wheat flour, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Potatoes and sweet potato are generally allowed. Many devotees eat only one meal of fruit and milk.

What are the most important Ekadashis in 2026?

Key Ekadashis in 2026: Vaikunta Ekadashi (January 2), Nirjala Ekadashi (June 8, the strictest), Dev Shayani Ekadashi (July 17, when Vishnu goes to sleep for 4 months), Dev Uthani Ekadashi/Devuthani Ekadashi (November 22, when Vishnu awakens, marking the start of the auspicious marriage season), and Tulsi Vivah is also celebrated on or around Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

What is Nirjala Ekadashi?

Nirjala Ekadashi, also called Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi, is the most rigorous Ekadashi fast observed without even water (Nirjala). It falls in Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha (May-June). In 2026, Nirjala Ekadashi is on June 8. Legend says Bhima (the Pandava) who couldn't resist food asked Krishna how he could gain the merit of all Ekadashis without fasting each time. Krishna told him observing this one Nirjala Ekadashi equals merit of all 24.

What is Dev Shayani Ekadashi?

Dev Shayani Ekadashi (also called Ashadi Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi) falls in Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June-July). In 2026, it is July 17. From this day, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) for four months (Chaturmas). During Chaturmas, auspicious activities like marriages, munja ceremonies, and griha pravesh are avoided. The four-month period ends on Dev Uthani Ekadashi in Kartik month.

What is Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Devuthani Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, or Kartiki Ekadashi) marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month Yoga Nidra. It falls on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. In 2026, it is November 22. This day marks the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. Tulsi Vivah (the marriage of Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu) is celebrated on or around this day.

What is Vaikunta Ekadashi?

Vaikunta Ekadashi is one of the most celebrated Ekadashis, especially in South India. It is observed on Margashirsha or Dhanur month Shukla Ekadashi (December-January). In 2026, it is January 2. On this day, Vishnu temples open the 'Vaikunta Dwara' (Gate of Heaven), and devotees who pass through the gate are believed to attain moksha. Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.