Ekadashi is one of the most sacred fasting observances in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Vishnu. Observed twice every lunar month, Ekadashi falls on the 11th day (Tithi) of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon). Millions of devotees across India and around the world observe Ekadashi vrat to seek spiritual growth, peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.
If you are looking for the complete 2026 Ekadashi dates list along with fasting timings, significance, and important rituals, this detailed guide will help you plan your vrat calendar for the year.
This article includes all Ekadashi fasting days for 2026 according to the local time of Mumbai, India.
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. The word “Ekadashi” means “eleventh,” referring to the 11th lunar day in the Hindu calendar.
Devotees observe fasting and worship Lord Vishnu on this day to cleanse the mind and body and attain spiritual benefits. Many people avoid grains, beans, and certain foods during the fast and spend time chanting Vishnu mantras, reading scriptures, and visiting temples.
According to Hindu scriptures, observing Ekadashi vrat with devotion helps:
- Remove negative karma
- Improve mental discipline
- Bring prosperity and peace
- Enhance spiritual awareness
- Grant liberation (moksha)
Complete 2026 Ekadashi Dates List
Here is the complete month-wise Ekadashi calendar for 2026.
January 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Shattila Ekadashi
- Date: January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Paksha: Krishna Paksha
- Tithi Begins: 03:17 PM, Jan 13
- Tithi Ends: 05:52 PM, Jan 14
Jaya Ekadashi
- Date: January 29, 2026 (Thursday)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
- Tithi Begins: 04:35 PM, Jan 28
- Tithi Ends: 01:55 PM, Jan 29
February 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Vijaya Ekadashi
- Date: February 13, 2026 (Friday)
- Paksha: Krishna Paksha
- Tithi Begins: 12:22 PM, Feb 12
- Tithi Ends: 02:25 PM, Feb 13
Amalaki Ekadashi
- Date: February 27, 2026 (Friday)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
- Tithi Begins: 12:33 AM, Feb 27
- Tithi Ends: 10:32 PM, Feb 27
March 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Papamochani Ekadashi
- Date: March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Special Note: Vishnushrinkhala Yoga Dwadashi
- Tithi Begins: 08:10 AM, Mar 14
- Tithi Ends: 09:16 AM, Mar 15
Kamada Ekadashi
- Date: March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
- Tithi Begins: 08:45 AM, Mar 28
- Tithi Ends: 07:46 AM, Mar 29
April 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Varuthini Ekadashi
- Date: April 13, 2026 (Monday)
- Tithi Begins: 01:16 AM, Apr 13
- Tithi Ends: 01:08 AM, Apr 14
Mohini Ekadashi
- Date: April 27, 2026 (Monday)
- Tithi Begins: 06:06 PM, Apr 26
- Tithi Ends: 06:15 PM, Apr 27
May 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Apara Ekadashi
- Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Tithi Begins: 02:52 PM, May 12
- Tithi Ends: 01:29 PM, May 13
Padmini Ekadashi
- Date: May 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Special Note: Unmilini Mahadwadashi
- Tithi Begins: 05:10 AM, May 26
- Tithi Ends: 06:21 AM, May 27
June 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Parama Ekadashi
- Date: June 11, 2026 (Thursday)
- Tithi Begins: 12:57 AM, Jun 11
- Tithi Ends: 10:36 PM, Jun 11
Nirjala Ekadashi
- Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
- Tithi Begins: 06:12 PM, Jun 24
- Tithi Ends: 08:09 PM, Jun 25
Among all Ekadashi fasts, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most difficult and spiritually rewarding because devotees observe a strict fast without water.
July 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Yogini Ekadashi
- Date: July 10, 2026 (Friday)
Gauna Yogini Ekadashi
- Date: July 11, 2026 (Saturday)
Devshayani Ekadashi
- Date: July 25, 2026 (Saturday)
- Tithi Begins: 09:12 AM, Jul 24
- Tithi Ends: 11:34 AM, Jul 25
Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month sacred period in Hinduism.
August 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Kamika Ekadashi
- Date: August 9, 2026 (Sunday)
- Tithi Begins: 01:59 PM, Aug 08
- Tithi Ends: 11:04 AM, Aug 09
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi
- Date: August 23, 2026 (Sunday)
- Tithi Begins: 02:00 AM, Aug 23
- Tithi Ends: 04:18 AM, Aug 24
September 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Aja Ekadashi
- Date: September 7, 2026 (Monday)
- Tithi Begins: 07:29 PM, Sep 06
- Tithi Ends: 05:03 PM, Sep 07
Parsva Ekadashi
- Date: September 22, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Special Note: Vishnushrinkhala Yoga Dwadashi
- Tithi Begins: 08:00 PM, Sep 21
- Tithi Ends: 09:43 PM, Sep 22
October 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Indira Ekadashi
- Date: October 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Tithi Begins: 02:07 AM, Oct 06
- Tithi Ends: 12:34 AM, Oct 07
Papankusha Ekadashi
- Date: October 22, 2026 (Thursday)
- Tithi Begins: 02:11 PM, Oct 21
- Tithi Ends: 02:47 PM, Oct 22
November 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Rama Ekadashi
- Date: November 5, 2026 (Thursday)
- Tithi Begins: 11:03 AM, Nov 04
- Tithi Ends: 10:35 AM, Nov 05
Devutthana Ekadashi
- Date: November 20, 2026 (Friday)
Gauna Devutthana Ekadashi
- Date: November 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Devutthana Ekadashi marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from His cosmic sleep and is highly significant for marriages and auspicious ceremonies.
December 2026 Ekadashi Dates
Utpanna Ekadashi
- Date: December 4, 2026 (Friday)
- Tithi Begins: 11:03 PM, Dec 03
- Tithi Ends: 11:44 PM, Dec 04
Mokshada Ekadashi / Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- Date: December 20, 2026 (Sunday)
- Tithi Begins: 10:09 PM, Dec 19
- Tithi Ends: 08:14 PM, Dec 20
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashi observances, especially in South India. Devotees believe that observing this vrat opens the gates of Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu.
Importance of Ekadashi Fasting
Fasting on Ekadashi is not only a religious practice but also a spiritual discipline. Hindu scriptures mention that Ekadashi fasting purifies both the body and the mind.
Many devotees observe:
- Nirjala fast (without water)
- Phalahar fast (fruits and milk only)
- Satvik fast (light vegetarian meals without grains)
The vrat is usually broken on Dwadashi, the next day after sunrise, during the prescribed Parana time.
Foods Allowed During Ekadashi Fast
Devotees generally consume:
- Fruits
- Milk and dairy products
- Sabudana
- Singhara flour
- Dry fruits
- Potatoes
- Rock salt
Foods usually avoided:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Lentils
- Beans
- Onion and garlic
- Non-vegetarian food
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Ekadashi
According to Hindu beliefs, observing Ekadashi vrat with sincerity can:
- Improve self-control
- Reduce negative thoughts
- Enhance devotion
- Promote inner peace
- Help spiritual progress
Many devotees also spend the day chanting:
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
- Vishnu Sahasranama
- Bhagavad Gita verses
Special Ekadashi Dates in 2026
Some Ekadashi fasts are considered especially important in 2026:
Nirjala Ekadashi
Known as the strictest Ekadashi fast.
Devshayani Ekadashi
Marks the beginning of Chaturmas.
Devutthana Ekadashi
Celebrates the awakening of Lord Vishnu.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
One of the holiest Ekadashi observances in Hinduism.
Tips for Observing Ekadashi Vrat
If you are planning to observe Ekadashi fast in 2026, these tips may help:
- Prepare mentally and spiritually before the vrat
- Avoid heavy or tamasic food a day before
- Stay hydrated if not observing Nirjala fast
- Spend time in prayer and meditation
- Read spiritual texts
- Avoid anger and negative thoughts
- Break the fast properly on Dwadashi
Why Ekadashi Dates May Differ
Ekadashi fasting dates can vary slightly depending on:
- Geographic location
- Sunrise timing
- Vaishnava or Smartha traditions
- Local Panchang calculations
The timings mentioned here are based on Mumbai, India local time.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ekadashi calendar offers devotees numerous opportunities for spiritual growth, devotion, and self-discipline throughout the year. From Shattila Ekadashi in January to Mokshada and Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December, every Ekadashi carries unique spiritual importance in Hindu tradition.
Observing Ekadashi vrat with faith and sincerity is believed to bring peace, prosperity, purification, and divine blessings from Lord Vishnu. Whether you follow a complete fast or a simple satvik diet, the true essence of Ekadashi lies in devotion, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection.
By keeping track of all the important Ekadashi dates in 2026, devotees can plan their fasting schedule in advance and participate fully in these sacred observances.
