Observing an Ekadashi fast on the eleventh lunar day of both the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) and the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) is one of Hinduism’s most potent spiritual disciplines. Dedicated entirely to Lord Vishnu, cleansing the digestive system on this day helps calm the mind, stabilize dynamic energy, and open pathways toward higher spiritual growth.
Note on Calibrations: All calculated windows below conform strictly to traditional Lunisolar movements. Please verify regional sunrise fluctuations before finalizing precise breaking of the fast (Parana).
Complete 2026 Ekadashi Fasting Calendar
Track all 24 vital Ekadashi events across the year, detailed with exact scriptural names, Paksha attributes, and precise boundary Tithi limits.
Begins: Jan 13, 03:17 PM
Ends: Jan 14, 05:52 PM
Begins: Jan 28, 04:35 PM
Ends: Jan 29, 01:55 PM
Begins: Feb 12, 12:22 PM
Ends: Feb 13, 02:25 PM
Begins: Feb 27, 12:33 AM
Ends: Feb 27, 10:32 PM
Begins: Mar 14, 08:10 AM
Ends: Mar 15, 09:16 AM
Begins: Mar 28, 08:45 AM
Ends: Mar 29, 07:46 AM
Begins: Apr 13, 01:16 AM
Ends: Apr 14, 01:08 AM
Begins: Apr 26, 06:06 PM
Ends: Apr 27, 06:15 PM
Begins: May 12, 02:52 PM
Ends: May 13, 01:29 PM
Begins: May 26, 05:10 AM
Ends: May 27, 06:21 AM
Begins: Jun 11, 12:57 AM
Ends: Jun 11, 10:36 PM
Begins: Jun 24, 06:12 PM
Ends: Jun 25, 08:09 PM
Begins: Jul 10, 08:16 AM
Ends: Jul 11, 05:22 AM
Begins: Jul 24, 09:12 AM
Ends: Jul 25, 11:34 AM
Begins: Aug 08, 01:59 PM
Ends: Aug 09, 11:04 AM
Begins: Aug 23, 02:00 AM
Ends: Aug 24, 04:18 AM
Begins: Sep 06, 07:29 PM
Ends: Sep 07, 05:03 PM
Begins: Sep 21, 08:00 PM
Ends: Sep 22, 09:43 PM
Begins: Oct 06, 02:07 AM
Ends: Oct 07, 12:34 AM
Begins: Oct 21, 02:11 PM
Ends: Oct 22, 02:47 PM
Begins: Nov 04, 11:03 AM
Ends: Nov 05, 10:35 AM
Begins: Nov 20, 07:15 AM
Ends: Nov 21, 06:31 AM
Begins: Dec 03, 11:03 PM
Ends: Dec 04, 11:44 PM
Begins: Dec 19, 10:09 PM
Ends: Dec 20, 08:14 PM
The Dual Classification: Smartha vs. Vaishnava Observances
A frequent point of confusion for many practitioners is why modern Hindu calendars list distinct dates for Smartha and Vaishnava groups. This variation arises from how both traditions define the exact presence of the lunar phase at dawn.
- Smartha Guidelines (Householders): Householders observe the fast on the primary day when the Tithi is active during early morning hours. This is the timeline standard shown in our central overview cards above.
- Vaishnava Guidelines (Ascetics & Gaudiya Devotees): Devotees following Vaishnava paths will never fast if the previous lunar phase (Dashami) overlaps into the early hours before dawn (Arunodaya). Instead, they comfortably push their fast into the following day, often concluding with a extended fast that breaks directly on Dwadashi.
Step-by-Step Ritual Execution (Vrat Vidhi)
To maximize the energetic benefits of your fast, structure your execution carefully across a complete three-day cycle:
Dashami (Preparation)
Consume a single, wholesome meal in the afternoon. Ensure you avoid grains and processed spices to cleanse your system well ahead of the coming fast day.
Ekadashi (Sadhana)
Wake during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta. Dedicate your day entirely to prayers, oil lamps, and meditation. Choose your path: a pure waterless fast (Nirjala) or a fruit-based diet (Phalahari).
Dwadashi (Parana)
Break your fast strictly within the specified morning window after sunrise. Prepare a simple, pure meal without heavy spices to gently reawaken your digestion.