Ekadashi 2026 Vrat – Dates and Significance

Ekadashi is a day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver among the Trinity. The day is of utmost significance, especially to the Vaishnavite sectors of the Hindus. It falls on the 11th lunar day of the waning Krishna Paksha and waxing Shukla Paksha, 

There are 24 Ekadashi's in a year, with two Ekadashis in a month – one during Krishna Paksha and one during Shukla Paksha. Each Ekadashi has a distinct name and its own importance. It is considered to be auspicious if the day falls on a Thursday.

A vrat or fast is observed by devotees on Ekadashi days. In 2026, the various Ekadashi dates are given below.

Significance of Ekadashi Vrat

Typically, devotees start observing the vrat on Dashami, the day before Ekadashi at sunrise and end the vrat the following day after sunset. While some devotees opt for a total fast, some prefer a partial fast.

Undertaking an Ekadashi vrat is very important for almost all Hindus. They believe that this ritual helps in purifying their souls and guiding them towards the path of salvation or moksha. It is also said that devotees observing the vrat are blessed with happiness and rid themselves of the ill effects of the planets in their horoscopes.   

Ekadashi vrat also acts as a vital step for its observers to have control over their fluctuating minds. It also directs them away from the materialist world and attracts them towards a spiritual, blissful, and peaceful life by performing vairagya or detachment and Tapasya or penance.

The food items that can be had by devotees observing a partial vrat depend on the month the Ekadashi vrat is followed.  This list is given below. However, onion, garlic, and any form of meat are avoided on any vrat.

During Papamochani Ekadashi and Kamada Ekadashi in March, one can consume fruits, milk, and juice. However, cooked or raw vegetables must be avoided.

During Varuthini Ekadashi and Mohini Ekadashi in April, one can have a single meal without any tamasic ingredients. The fast is broken with milk or fruits the following day.

During Aparai Ekadashi and Padmini Ekadashi in May, one can follow the same rules for fasting as during Varuthini Ekadashi and Mohini Ekadashi.

During Parama Ekadashi and Nirjala Ekadashi in June, one undertakes waterless fasting. He/she may drink a few drops of water just before sunset.

During Yogini Ekadashi and Sayana Ekadashi in July, one can consume sattvic foods. However, the food must be prepared without salt.

During Kamika Ekadashi and Shravana Putrada Ekadashi in August, one can have just one meal in the afternoon. However, this meal must not include beans, grains, and rice.

During Pavitropana Ekadashi and Annada Ekadashi in September, one can consume dairy products, fruits, and dry fruits after his/her prayer rituals in the evening.

During Parshva Ekadashi and Indira Ekadashi in October, one can have just one meal. He/she can drink water during the day.

During Rama Ekadashi and Utthanai Ekadashi in November, one can eat dairy products and fruits in the course of the day.

During Uttpana Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi in December, one can have sweets, fruits, milk, and food cooked using sabudana.

During Shat Tila Ekadashi and Bhaimi Ekadashi in January, one can have different types of fruits during the day.

During Vijaya Ekadashi and Amalaki Ekadashi in February, one can have fruits, milk, nuts, and potatoes. Some people eat cooked food with rock salt and black pepper.

The Nirjala vrat is considered to be the most powerful Ekadashi vrat. It is believed that observing this vrat alone has the same power and effect of observing all the other vrats.

Story Behind the Ekadashi Vrat

There is an interesting story behind the Ekadashi Vrat in the Vishnu Purana, one of the revered Hindu scriptures.

According to this story, there was once a demon named Mura. He was a terror to all the gods. Unable to bear his actions any longer, the devas approached Lord Vishnu with their problem and sought refuge in His abode. They requested the lord to vanquish him. Vishnu agreed and fought a battle with the demon that lasted a 1000 years but the demon always had the upper hand.

Eventually, the lord pretended to be exhausted and went to rest in the Badrinath Ashram. The demon followed him and found Lord Vishnu sleeping there. Just as Mura decided to strike on the sleeping deity, a beautiful girl emerged from within the lord and slayed the demon. The lord was pleased with her valour and asked her who she was. The girl replied that she was born from the eleven indriays or senses of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu proclaimed that since she was born from the eleven indriyas, she would be called Ekadashi. He also declared that His devotees would worship her along with Him on Ekadashi day and undertake an Ekadashi vrat and control their eleven senses during the eleventh day of each lunar cycle.

There is also a reference to Ekadashi in the Shiva Purana. In this scripture, the lord himself says that Shukla Ekadashi is an auspicious day to observe a fast and pay obeisance to Lord Vishnu. This is because Vishnu considers Ekadashi to be one of His closest devotees.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu is fond of the colour yellow. Hence, most devotees opt for attire in this colour on this day. Vrat undertakers can engage in charitable activities for maximum benefit. They should refrain from indulging in activities like lying, deceit, and violence. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and drug consumption are also prohibited.  

When observing Ekadashi vrat, devotees usually engage in reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, chanting Vishnu or Krishna mantras, and/or visiting a temple dedicated to the lord.