Ekadashi Kab Hai (2026): Full Month-Wise Dates, Timings, and Simple Fasting Rules

If you’ve been searching ekadashi kab hai, you’re not alone. Every year, especially as the new calendar begins, millions of people look for the exact Ekadashi dates to plan their vrat, temple visits, and Parana timings properly. Since Ekadashi comes twice every month, confusion about the correct tithi and sunrise timing is very common.

The reason this search spikes is simple: Ekadashi is not fixed to an English calendar date. It depends on the lunar calendar (Hindu Panchang), specifically the 11th day (Ekadashi) of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. That’s why knowing the proper ekadashi dates 2026 in advance helps devotees avoid mistakes and observe the fast correctly.

Below is a clear, month-wise ekadashi calendar 2026 to help you plan without last-minute confusion.

Ekadashi Dates 2026 – Month-Wise List

Here is a simplified month-wise snapshot of major Ekadashi observances in 2026 (dates may vary slightly depending on location and Panchang calculations):

Since Ekadashi depends on lunar timing, always verify sunrise-based tithi in your city. This is why “ekadashi kab hai” remains one of the most searched festival queries annually.

What Is Ekadashi and Why It Matters Spiritually

Ekadashi is considered highly sacred in Hindu tradition, especially among devotees of Lord Vishnu. Observing the fast is believed to cleanse past karmas and strengthen spiritual discipline. Many devotees follow strict food restrictions, while others choose a lighter sattvic diet depending on health and family tradition.

Unlike other festivals that are celebration-based, Ekadashi focuses on self-control, simplicity, and prayer. The idea behind the vrat is not just food restriction but also mental purity, chanting, and reduced distractions.

This spiritual importance is another reason why people repeatedly search ekadashi kab hai before every month begins.

Simple Ekadashi Fasting Rules (Do’s and Don’ts)

Many first-time observers get confused about what is allowed during Ekadashi vrat. Here is a clean checklist that simplifies common ekadashi fasting rules:

Commonly Followed Do’s:

• Wake up early and take a bath before sunrise.

• Take a sankalp (vow) for fasting.

• Consume fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana, and vrat-friendly items.

• Chant Vishnu mantras or read religious texts.

• Break fast (Parana) at the correct Dwadashi timing.

Commonly Avoided Foods:

• Rice and wheat

• Pulses and lentils

• Onion and garlic

• Regular salt (sendha namak is preferred)

While some people observe nirjala (without water), most choose fruit-based fasting. Health conditions should always be considered before strict fasting.

How Parana Timing Works (Why Sunrise Matters)

One of the most important aspects of Ekadashi vrat is Parana — the proper time to break the fast on Dwadashi. Breaking too early or too late is traditionally avoided. Parana must be done after sunrise within the specific Dwadashi window.

This is why simply knowing ekadashi dates 2026 is not enough. You must also check your city’s Panchang for exact sunrise timing. Even a difference of a few hours can change whether the fast is observed that day or the next.

Most Important Ekadashi in 2026

While every Ekadashi is considered sacred, some are more widely observed:

• Nirjala Ekadashi (June) – Known for strict fasting.

• Devshayani Ekadashi (July) – Marks beginning of Chaturmas.

• Devutthana Ekadashi (November) – Marks end of Chaturmas.

• Mokshada Ekadashi (December) – Linked with spiritual liberation.

These dates usually see higher temple visits and increased online searches for ekadashi kab hai.

Why Ekadashi Dates Change Every Year

Unlike fixed-date festivals, Ekadashi is based on lunar cycles. Since the lunar month is shorter than the solar month, the dates shift every year in the Gregorian calendar. That’s why the ekadashi calendar 2026 looks different from 2025.

Because India follows regional Panchang variations (North Indian vs South Indian calculations), slight date differences may appear. Always rely on your local temple calendar for final confirmation.

Practical Planning Checklist for Devotees

If you want to avoid last-minute confusion in 2026, follow this planning system:

1. Mark both monthly Ekadashi dates at the start of the year.

2. Check Parana time one day before fasting.

3. Buy vrat ingredients in advance.

4. Adjust work meetings if observing strict fast.

5. Stay hydrated if not doing nirjala.

This small preparation eliminates stress and makes vrat more meaningful.

FAQs

Ekadashi kab hai in January 2026?

There will be two Ekadashi observances in January 2026 — one during Shukla Paksha and one during Krishna Paksha. Exact dates depend on lunar tithi and sunrise timing in your city.

How many Ekadashi are there in 2026?

There are usually 24 Ekadashi in a year (two per month). Occasionally, due to lunar adjustments, an extra Ekadashi may occur.

Can I drink tea during Ekadashi fast?

Some traditions allow milk tea without grains, while stricter followers avoid tea completely. It depends on personal and family customs.

What is the most important Ekadashi?

Nirjala Ekadashi and Devutthana Ekadashi are widely considered among the most significant.

Is Parana compulsory?

Yes, traditionally the fast should be broken within the Dwadashi Parana timing window to complete the vrat properly.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching ekadashi kab hai, planning in advance for 2026 will make your observance smooth and stress-free. Since Ekadashi follows lunar tithi and sunrise-based calculations, always verify local timings before fasting. With the month-wise ekadashi dates 2026, simple fasting guidelines, and Parana awareness, you can observe the vrat with clarity and confidence throughout the year.