Ekadashi Dates 2026

Ekadashi (একাদশী) literally means "eleven" in Sanskrit — it is the 11th lunar day (tithi) of both the Shukla Paksha (waxing/bright fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (waning/dark fortnight) of every lunar month. Since the Hindu calendar has two fortnights per month, there are typically two Ekadashis per month, totalling around 24 per year.

Ekadashi fasting is one of the most widely observed religious practices in Vaishnavism and is deeply rooted in Bengali Hindu tradition. The word appears in the Vishnu Purana, the Skanda Purana, and several other ancient texts, which describe Ekadashi as a sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan). Fasting on this day is believed to purify the soul, cleanse the body, and accumulate immense spiritual merit (punya).

Each Ekadashi has a specific name based on the lunar month it falls in and whether it occurs in the bright or dark fortnight. For example, Nirjala Ekadashi (the waterless fast in Jyeshtha month) is considered the most powerful Ekadashi of all — observing this one fast is said to be equivalent in merit to observing all 24 Ekadashis of the year combined.

In 2026, the year contains 24 Ekadashi dates due to the Adhika Masa (leap lunar month) falling in May–June, which adds two extra Ekadashis — Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi — making this year spiritually significant.

Beyond spiritual significance, Ekadashi fasting is also considered beneficial for health — grains are avoided, encouraging a lighter diet rich in fruits, nuts, and dairy, which is consistent with modern intermittent fasting research. Many devout Hindus observe Ekadashi fasting not just as a religious duty but as a way to reset their digestive system and maintain mental clarity.