Ekadashi 2026 dates fall on 24 fasting days across Krishna and Shukla Paksha, making it one of the most widely observed Hindu vrats dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This complete Ekadashi 2026 calendar lists month-wise dates, Parana timings, fasting rules, and NRI time-zone guidance.

Ekadashi in the Hindu lunar calendar occurs on the 11th tithi during both Krishna and Shukla Paksha. In Ekadashi 2026, devotees will observe 24 fasting days aligned with the lunar cycle, each offering a path toward spiritual discipline, mind purification, devotion to Lord Vishnu, and karmic cleansing. This complete guide covers the Ekadashi 2026 dates, fasting rules, Muhurat and Parana timings, and NRI time-zone shifts for those observing abroad.

Devotees seeking personalised Parana timings or fasting guidance can consult experienced astrologers on Shloka for accurate lunar calculations.

Also read –Frequently Asked Questions on Ekadashi Fasting 

Also read – Beginner’s Guide to Ekadashi Fasting for 2026

Ekadashi Dates 2026 — Month-Wise Calendar

Month Date Ekadashi Name Paksha
January 20261 Jan 2026Saphala EkadashiKrishna
January 202616 Jan 2026Putrada EkadashiShukla
January 202631 Jan 2026Shattila EkadashiKrishna
February 202614 Feb 2026Jaya EkadashiShukla
February 202628 Feb 2026Vijaya EkadashiKrishna
March 202615 Mar 2026Amalaki EkadashiShukla
March 202629 Mar 2026Papmochani EkadashiKrishna
April 202613 Apr 2026Kamada EkadashiShukla
April 202628 Apr 2026Varuthini EkadashiKrishna
May 202613 May 2026Mohini EkadashiShukla
May 202628 May 2026Apara EkadashiKrishna
June 202611 Jun 2026Nirjala EkadashiShukla
June 202626 Jun 2026Yogini EkadashiKrishna
July 202610 Jul 2026Devshayani EkadashiShukla
July 202625 Jul 2026Kamika EkadashiKrishna
August 20269 Aug 2026Pavitropana EkadashiShukla
August 202624 Aug 2026Aja EkadashiKrishna
September 20267 Sep 2026Padma / Vamana EkadashiShukla
September 202623 Sep 2026Parivartini EkadashiKrishna
October 20267 Oct 2026Indira EkadashiKrishna
October 202623 Oct 2026Papankusha EkadashiShukla
November 20266 Nov 2026Rama EkadashiKrishna
November 202622 Nov 2026Devutthana EkadashiShukla
December 20265 Dec 2026Utpanna EkadashiKrishna
December 202621 Dec 2026Mokshada EkadashiShukla

Rama Ekadashi November 2026 falls on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month. This sacred Ekadashi, also known as Kartik Krishna Ekadashi or Rambha Ekadashi, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The name “Rama” is one of Goddess Lakshmi’s epithets, symbolizing prosperity, beauty, and abundance.

Ekadashi February 2026: Dates, Parana Time, Vrat Rules & Significance

Parana & Muhurat Timings (India + Global NRIs)

Breaking the fast (Parana) must be done on Dwadashi tithi after sunrise and within a prescribed window.

Typical Parana windows fall between:

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM

City-based variations apply due to sunrise differences.

Parana Shifts for Global NRIs

NRIs often search for country-specific timings because of time-zone offsets:

RegionObservation Pattern
USA/CanadaParana may shift to previous evening or next morning
UK/EuropeMinor shift aligned with UTC
UAE/Qatar/OmanSlight night offset
Singapore/MalaysiaAhead of India
Australia/NZOften 1 day ahead

This makes calendars for Ekadashi abroad increasingly important for Hindu diaspora families.

Also read – Kartik Month 2026: Dates, Significance, Vrat Rules & Rituals in North India
For People Living in South – Karthika Masam 2026: Dates, Significance, Vratas & Rituals in South India

Why Devotees Observe This Lunar Fast

Fasting during Ekadashi is linked with:

  • purification of mind & senses
  • spiritual discipline
  • sattvic balance
  • karmic cleansing
  • devotion to Vishnu

Scriptures describe it as a vrata that elevates consciousness and reduces worldly impressions.


How to Perform the Fast (Vidhi)

Traditional procedure includes:

  1. Sankalp on Dashami night
  2. Avoiding grains & cereals
  3. Consuming satvik phalahari foods
  4. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama or bhajans
  5. Observing Parana on Dwadashi

People with medical needs may follow partial fasting.

Also read – Top Astrologers in India – Trusted City-Wise Experts 2026

Allowed Foods During the Fast

Common phalahari foods include:

  • fruits & dry fruits
  • milk, curd, ghee
  • sabudana, rajgira, singhara
  • potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
  • sendha namak (rock salt)

Foods Traditionally Avoided

Most devotees avoid:

  • rice, wheat, cereals
  • lentils & beans
  • regular salt
  • onion & garlic

Vaishnava households maintain pure satvik cooking during vrat.
Also read – Diabetic-Friendly Ekadashi: What to Eat & Avoid


Most Powerful Observances in 2026

Certain dates stand out:

  • Nirjala — merit of all fasting days combined
  • Devshayani — beginning of Chaturmas
  • Devutthana — end of Chaturmas & marriage season opens
  • Mokshada — associated with moksha & ancestor blessings

FAQs for Ekadashi

1. What time should I break the fast during Ekadashi?

During Dwadashi Parana, after sunrise and within the prescribed Muhurat window.

2. Can I drink tea or coffee while observing the fast?

Most devotees allow tea/coffee; stricter practice uses only milk and fruits.

3. Why are grains avoided during this fast?

Scriptures associate grains with moisture-binding properties and tamasic energy on this lunar day.

4. Is the fast compulsory for everyone?

No — children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with health issues may adapt.

5. Can diabetics observe Ekadashi fasting?

Yes, through low-glycemic phalahari foods under medical awareness.

6. Is Ekadashi beneficial for health?

Modern nutrition aligns it with intermittent fasting, aiding digestion and inflammation reduction.

7. Which Ekadashi has the highest spiritual merit?

Nirjala is traditionally regarded as the most potent.

8. Can the fast be observed without full abstinence?

Yes — intention and satvik discipline are valid forms of observance.

9. Do Parana timings change in foreign countries?

Yes, NRIs must follow local sunrise and tithi-based timings.

10. Can I sleep during Ekadashi fasting?

Sleeping is allowed, but engaging in japa, bhajan, and reading scriptures is encouraged.

Also read – Mercury Retrograde Dates in 2026

Conclusion

With 24 fasting dates aligned to the lunar calendar, Ekadashi 2026 offers devotees an opportunity to connect with traditional Hindu practices that refine discipline, enhance devotion, and purify consciousness. Understanding Parana timings and time-zone variations allows both India-based and NRI devotees to observe the fast correctly. Whether practiced fully or through adapted phalahari methods, this vrat remains a timeless bridge between health, spirituality, and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

This Ekadashi calendar follows traditional Panchang calculations and widely accepted Vaishnava practices. Observances may vary slightly by regional calendars and personal lineage traditions.

Also read – MOST COMMON ASTROLOGY MYTHS PEOPLE STILL BELIEVE

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