Ekadashi Vrat Dates

In Sanatana tradition, Ekadashi Tithi is dedicated to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. Two Ekadashis occur in every lunar month — one during Krishna Paksha and the other during Shukla Paksha. Therefore, there are usually 24 Ekadashis in a year. When an Adhik Maas occurs, two additional Ekadashis — Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi — are observed, bringing the total to 26.

Ekadashi Vrat is not merely a day of fasting. It is regarded as a sacred opportunity to discipline the mind, speech and senses and dedicate time to the remembrance, Naam Japa and worship of Lord Vishnu. Devotees worship Shri Hari, recite Vishnu Sahasranama, perform Bhajan-Kirtan and read or listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

Below you can find all Ekadashi dates for this year and the next year, along with the weekday and the start and end times of the Ekadashi Tithi. You can click on the name of the respective Ekadashi to read its Vrat Katha, significance and Puja Vidhi.

For today’s Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and other Panchang details, see Today’s Panchang. Information about other important Vrats and festivals is available on the Vrats and Festivals page.

Rules of Ekadashi Vrat

The method and rules of observing Ekadashi Vrat may vary slightly across families and Vaishnava traditions. In general, the following practices are commonly followed.

Discipline from Dashami Tithi: Preparation for Ekadashi Vrat is traditionally considered to begin from Dashami itself. On Dashami, eat light and Satvik food and avoid garlic, onion, non-vegetarian food, alcohol and Tamasic food.

Morning Bath and Sankalp: On Ekadashi, bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes and take a Sankalp to observe the Vrat with devotion while remembering Lord Shri Hari Vishnu.

Worship of Lord Vishnu: Worship Lord Vishnu or Shri Krishna. Offer flowers, incense, a lamp, fruits and Tulsi leaves, and perform Mantra Japa and sacred recitation according to your capacity.

Avoiding Grains: Traditionally, grains — especially rice — are not consumed on Ekadashi. Devotees may observe the fast with water, fruits or other permitted fasting foods according to their health, capacity and family tradition.

Naam Japa and Sacred Recitation: Remember Bhagwan throughout the day. In particular, one may chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Om Namo Narayanaya” and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.

Ekadashi Vrat Katha: It is considered auspicious to read or listen with devotion to the Vrat Katha and Mahatmya of the particular Ekadashi being observed.

Satvik Conduct: The purpose of the Vrat is not simply to avoid food. Try to avoid anger, falsehood, criticism and unnecessary arguments, and keep the mind focused on the remembrance of Bhagwan.

Bhajan-Kirtan at Night: Depending on one’s capacity and tradition, devotees may sing Bhajans, perform Naam Sankirtan or observe Jagran in honour of Lord Vishnu during the night.

Parana on Dwadashi: The Ekadashi fast is concluded the following day during Dwadashi Tithi at the appropriate Parana time. Generally, Parana is performed after Harivasara has ended.

What Can You Eat During Ekadashi Vrat?

Devotees observing Phalahar may consume fruits, milk, curd, Makhana, Sabudana, Singhara flour, Kuttu flour, potatoes and Sendha Namak according to their family tradition. Fasting food rules can differ between families and Sampradayas.

If a complete fast is not possible due to health reasons, a simple Phalahar may be taken according to one’s physical capacity. The essential spirit of the Vrat is self-discipline, devotion and keeping the mind engaged in the remembrance of Bhagwan.

What Should Not Be Eaten on Ekadashi?

On Ekadashi, wheat, rice, lentils and other grains are generally avoided. In many traditions, Sendha Namak is used instead of regular salt. Food-related rules should be followed according to one’s family, Guru or Sampradaya tradition.

When Should Ekadashi Vrat Parana Be Performed?

Ekadashi Vrat is concluded on Dwadashi Tithi by performing Parana. Generally, Parana is performed after sunrise and before Dwadashi Tithi ends.

If the early part of Dwadashi at sunrise falls within Harivasara, Parana is performed only after Harivasara has ended. Therefore, it is best to follow the specific Parana timing given for the respective Ekadashi.

What Is the Difference Between Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi?

Sometimes, due to Panchang calculations and traditional rules, Ekadashi Vrat may appear on two consecutive days. In such cases, the fasting date may differ between Smarta and Vaishnava traditions.

The date is not decided merely by looking at the English calendar. It is determined according to the Tithi present at sunrise and the Panchang rules related to Dashami, Ekadashi and Dwadashi. Therefore, it is appropriate to follow the tradition of your Guru, Sampradaya or local Panchang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Purnima Vrat Dates