Ekadashi 2026 — All Dates & Parana Dates

Complete Ekadashi calendar for 2026 with fasting rules, Parana dates, and significance

📅 Loading… 🍽️ Parana — Ahmedabad

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📅 Ekadashi 2026 — All Dates

Times shown for Ahmedabad. Break the fast after Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dvadashi) ends. Exact parana time: coming soon.

Date	Ekadashi Name	Paksha	Parana Day
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📿 What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (tithi) in each paksha (fortnight) of the Hindu calendar. It occurs twice every month — once in Shukla Paksha (bright half) and once in Krishna Paksha (dark half).

Ekadashi is considered the most sacred day for fasting, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fast begins on Dashami (10th day) evening and ends on Dwadashi (12th day) morning at the prescribed Parana time.

Significance

According to the Padma Purana, each of the 24 Ekadashis has a unique name, story, and spiritual benefit. Observing Ekadashi vrat with devotion is said to cleanse sins, purify the mind, and bring one closer to moksha (liberation).

Types of Observers

Smarta Ekadashi: Observed when Ekadashi tithi prevails at sunrise. This is the standard observance followed by most Hindus.
Vaishnava Ekadashi: Additionally requires that Dashami (10th tithi) must have completely ended before Arunodaya (the pre-dawn period before sunrise). If Dashami touches Arunodaya, Vaishnavas postpone their fast to Dwadashi.

🙏 Ekadashi Fasting Rules

What to eat

Fruits, milk, water (Nirjala = no water, most strict)
Sabudana (sago), sendha namak (rock salt), potatoes, peanuts
Avoid grains (rice, wheat, dal, cereals) completely

Parana Rules (Breaking the Fast)

Break fast on Dwadashi (next day) after sunrise
Avoid breaking fast during Hari Vasara (first 1/4 of Dwadashi duration)
Best time: after Hari Vasara ends but before Dwadashi tithi ends
If Dwadashi has already ended by sunrise, break fast immediately after sunrise

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (tithi) in each fortnight of the Hindu month. It is observed as a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are 24 Ekadashis in a regular year, each with a unique name and significance.

How many Ekadashis are there in 2026?

In 2026, there are 24 Ekadashis. In a year with an Adhika month, two extra Ekadashis occur: Padmini and Parama.

What is Parana time?

Parana is the prescribed time to break the Ekadashi fast. It must be done on Dwadashi (12th day) after sunrise, avoiding Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi). Breaking fast during Hari Vasara is believed to nullify the merit of fasting.

What is the difference between Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi?

Smarta Ekadashi is observed when Ekadashi tithi prevails at sunrise. Vaishnava Ekadashi has an additional rule: Dashami must have ended before Arunodaya (the pre-dawn period before sunrise). If Dashami touches Arunodaya, Vaishnavas postpone to Dwadashi (Mahadvadashi).

Can I drink water during Ekadashi fast?

Most Ekadashi fasts allow water, fruits, and non-grain items. However, Nirjala Ekadashi (Jyeshtha Shukla) is observed without even water — it is considered the most meritorious and equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis.