Panchang

Ekadashi 2026: Meaning, Fasting Rules & Key Dates

By Naam Jaap Editorial Team · July 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Ekadashi is one of the most widely observed fasts in the Hindu tradition — a day of devotion to Lord Vishnu that comes around twice every month. Millions keep the Ekadashi vrat for health, discipline and spiritual merit. Here's what Ekadashi means, how the fast works, and the key dates in 2026.

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight — so it falls twice in a lunar month, once in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and once in the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). Over a year, there are about 24 Ekadashis (and 26 in a leap/adhik-maas year).

Each Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and carries its own name, story (vrat katha) and significance.

Why is Ekadashi observed?

Ekadashi is believed to purify the mind and body and bring the blessings of Vishnu. Beyond the spiritual merit, the twice-monthly fast has long been valued as a natural rhythm of rest and reset for the digestive system. It's a day to eat light, turn inward, and spend more time in prayer and japa.

Ekadashi fasting rules

The Ekadashi vrat can be kept at different levels of strictness:

• Nirjala — without food or water (the strictest; Nirjala Ekadashi itself is kept this way)
• Phalahar — fruits, milk and specific vrat foods
• One sattvic meal — for those who cannot fast fully

The key rule is that grains and beans are avoided on Ekadashi — no rice, wheat, lentils or pulses. Many also avoid onion and garlic. Devotees spend the day in worship, reading the vrat katha and chanting Vishnu's names.

Parana — breaking the fast

The fast is broken the next morning, on Dwadashi (the 12th tithi), within a specific window called the parana. Breaking it at the right time is considered important — too early or too late is discouraged. Because the parana window is short and location-specific, it's best checked in a Panchang.

Notable Ekadashis in 2026

While every Ekadashi is sacred, a few carry special significance:

Devshayani and Devutthana Ekadashi bracket the four holy months of Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu is said to rest. For the full 2026 list and exact fasting and parana times, check the Panchang for your city.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi (lunar day) of each fortnight, observed as a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs twice a month.

What can you not eat on Ekadashi?

Grains and beans — rice, wheat, lentils and pulses — are avoided on Ekadashi. Many also avoid onion and garlic. Devotees eat fruit and milk, or fast more strictly.

When is Devshayani Ekadashi 2026?

Devshayani (Ashadhi) Ekadashi 2026 falls on 25 July 2026, marking the start of Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic sleep.

What is parana in Ekadashi?

Parana is the act of breaking the Ekadashi fast, done the next morning on Dwadashi within a specific auspicious window, which varies by location.