Next Ekadashi Vrat: Aja Ekadashi — Monday, 7 September 2026
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🙏 Lord Vishnu
Ekadashi Vrat
🗓️ 11th Tithi of each Paksha (twice monthly)
The story behind Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of each Paksha, is considered the most sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing Ekadashi Vrat is said to cleanse accumulated karma, still the mind for meditation, and draw one closer to moksha. It recurs twice every lunar month — once in Shukla Paksha and once in Krishna Paksha.
Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi
1
Dashami Niyam
On the day before (Dashami), eat only one satvik meal and avoid excess in speech or action, preparing the body and mind for the fast.
2
Nirjala or Phalahari Fast
Observe a full fast (Nirjala, without even water) or a fruit-and-milk-only fast (Phalahari) through the day, avoiding grains and beans entirely.
3
Vishnu Puja & Tulsi Arpan
Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and a diya to Lord Vishnu, and read or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama or an Ekadashi Katha.
4
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) within the prescribed Parana window, after feeding a Brahmin or the needy if possible.
Ekadashi Vrat Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥
Meaning
Salutations to the all-pervading Lord Vasudeva.
How to chant
Chant 108 times during the Vishnu Puja on the day of the fast.
Ekadashi Vrat falls on Monday, 7 September 2026, based on Kaala's Drik Panchang calculation for the corresponding Tithi.
Ekadashi Vrat is dated according to the lunar Tithi, not the fixed Gregorian calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts from year to year while its position in the lunar calendar stays consistent.
The astronomical event Ekadashi Vrat marks happens at the same instant everywhere in the world, but which calendar day that instant falls on locally depends on each city's own timing — so cities in different countries can observe Ekadashi Vrat a day apart.
