Ekadashi in September 2026 will be observed twice, with devotees observing fasts and worshipping Lord Vishnu on both occasions. The two Ekadashis falling during the month are Aja Ekadashi on September 7 and Parivartini Ekadashi on September 22. Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day and occurs twice in every lunar month, once during Shukla Paksha and once during Krishna Paksha.
Ekadashi September 2026 Dates
| Ekadashi | Date | Day | Paksha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aja Ekadashi | September 7, 2026 | Monday | Krishna Paksha |
| Parivartini Ekadashi | September 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Shukla Paksha |
Aja Ekadashi falls on Monday, September 7, 2026. Devotees traditionally observe a vrat, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and spend the day in devotional activities. The fast is generally broken on Dwadashi after sunrise, at the prescribed Parana time.
Parivartini Ekadashi 2026 Date
Parivartini Ekadashi, also known as Parsva Ekadashi, falls on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Devotees observe the fast, perform Vishnu Puja, offer Tulsi leaves and recite prayers or Vishnu mantras. The day is considered an opportunity for spiritual discipline, prayer and devotion.
Aja Ekadashi 2026 Tithi
The Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 7:29 PM on September 6 and conclude at 5:03 PM on September 7. Devotees observing the fast can break it on September 8, with the Delhi Parana timing expected to fall between approximately 6:02 AM and 10:13 AM.
Parivartini Ekadashi 2026 Tithi
The Ekadashi Tithi will start at 8:00 PM on September 21 and end at 9:43 PM on September 22. Devotees observing the fast can perform Parana on September 23, with the Delhi/ISKCON Parana window expected to be approximately 6:10 AM to 10:12 AM.
Ekadashi Fasting Rules
- Ekadashi fasting rules can differ between families, regions and Vaishnava traditions. However, some common practices include:
- Avoid grains and cereals, including rice, wheat and regular flour.
- Many devotees also avoid pulses and lentils.
- Non-vegetarian food, alcohol and tobacco are generally avoided.
- Devotees may observe a water-only fast, a fruit-and-milk fast or a vrat with permitted foods depending on their tradition and ability.
- Spend more time in prayer, meditation, chanting or reading religious texts.
- Avoid anger, arguments, gossip and other activities considered inconsistent with the spirit of the vrat.
- The fast is traditionally broken on Dwadashi, after sunrise and within the prescribed Parana period.
What Can You Eat During Ekadashi Fast?
Those following a phalahari or food-based Ekadashi vrat commonly choose foods that do not contain grains or cereals. Depending on family tradition, vrat-friendly options can include:
- Fruits
- Milk and curd
- Makhana
- Nuts and seeds
- Sabudana
- Potatoes and other permitted vegetables
- Singhara flour
- Kuttu flour
- Rajgira
- Sendha namak
The exact food rules can vary considerably between communities, so it is best to follow the fasting tradition observed in your family or local religious practice.
Foods To Avoid During Ekadashi
During a traditional Ekadashi vrat, devotees generally avoid:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Maida
- Regular atta
- Other grains
- Pulses and lentils
- Beans
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
Some devotees follow a stricter fast and consume only water, while others have fruits, milk or vrat-friendly meals.
Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Devotees can begin the day by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. After cleaning the puja area, place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on a clean platform.
A simple Ekadashi Puja can include:
- Light a diya and incense.
- Offer water to Lord Vishnu.
- Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves.
- Offer fruits or other permitted bhog.
- Chant Vishnu mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
- Read or listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Perform aarti and spend some time in prayer or meditation.
