Ekadashi 2026: Know All 24 Ekadashi Dates, Significance, Fasting Rules & Vrat Katha Explained

The year 2026 presents twenty-four sacred opportunities for devotees to observe the auspicious Ekadashi Vrat (fast), a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Occurring twice every lunar month, Ekadashi is the eleventh day (tithi) of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and the Krishna Paksha (waning moon).

This detailed guide provides the complete list of Ekadashi Tithis for 2026, their specific names, profound spiritual significance, and the essential rituals associated with their observance.

The Significance of Ekadashi Vrat

The word 'Ekadashi' literally means 'eleven' in Sanskrit, signifying the eleventh day. In Hindu cosmology and tradition, observing a fast on this day is considered one of the most meritorious acts, believed to cleanse one of past sins and grant salvation (Moksha).

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu: The day is revered as 'Hari Vasara' (the day of Lord Hari/Vishnu). Devotees focus their prayers and meditations on Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations.

• The Legend of Ekadashi Devi: According to the Padma Purana, the personification of Ekadashi is a Goddess who emerged from Lord Vishnu to defeat a powerful demon. Pleased with her, Lord Vishnu blessed her with the power to remove sins for anyone who fasts on her day.

• Health and Wellness: Beyond the spiritual, the fast is rooted in Ayurveda, suggesting that abstaining from grains (especially rice, which is highly prohibited) helps the digestive system cleanse itself, aligning the body with the lunar cycle.

Key Ekadashi Fasts in 2026

While all 24 Ekadashis are important, some carry extra significance due to their association with major festivals, lunar periods, or specific rituals:

1. Nirjala Ekadashi: (June 25, 2026) Considered the most rigorous fast, as devotees abstain from both food and water (Nirjala means 'without water') for the entire 24-hour period. Observing this one fast is said to grant the merit of all 24 Ekadashis of the year.
2. Devshayani Ekadashi: (July 25, 2026) Marks the beginning of Chaturmas (the four sacred months), as it is believed that Lord Vishnu enters a divine sleep (Yoga Nidra). No major auspicious ceremonies like weddings are performed during this period.
3. Devutthana Ekadashi: (November 20, 2026) Also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, it marks the end of Chaturmas and the awakening of Lord Vishnu. This day is highly auspicious and signals the recommencement of wedding and other ceremonial seasons.
4. Mokshada Ekadashi: (December 20, 2026) Known as Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Southern India, it is believed that the gates of Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu's abode) are open on this day. Observing this fast is specifically aimed at achieving salvation (Moksha).

Rituals and Observance of Ekadashi Vrat

The observance of Ekadashi Vrat typically follows a three-day schedule:

Important Note: The fast should never be broken during the Dwadashi Tithi when Trayodashi Tithi has already begun (Trayodashi-Veddha).

Complete List of Ekadashi Tithi Dates 2026 (For New Delhi, India)

The following table lists the Ekadashi dates for the year 2026. Please note that Tithi timings and Parana windows are location-dependent and a local Panchang should be consulted for exact observance.

Note on Adhik Maas: 2026 includes an Adhik Maas (or Malmas, the extra lunar month). This happens in the Jyeshtha month (May-June), leading to two extra Ekadashis: Padmini and Parama, bringing the total for the year to 26 in some traditions, though the primary list covers the main 24.