Ekadashi · 2026
Aja Ekadashi 2026 — Monday, 7 September 2026
Aja Ekadashi falls on Monday, 7 September 2026 in New Delhi. Parana is on 8 Sep, 6:02 AM – 8:32 AM.
Computed for New Delhi
Monday, 7 September 2026
- Tithi
- Krishna Ekadashi: 6 Sep, 7:29 PM – 7 Sep, 5:04 PM
- Lunar month
- Bhadrapada (purnimanta) / Shravana (amanta)
- Sunrise / sunset
- 6:02 AM / 6:35 PM
- Arunodaya (96 min before sunrise)
- 4:26 AM
| Parana (breaking the fast) | 8 Sep, 6:02 AM – 8 Sep, 8:32 AM |
|---|
Rule: Smarta rule: the day with Ekadashi at sunrise, with Dwadashi left for the next morning’s parana.
Smarta and Vaishnava
Both traditions fast on the same day this time: Ekadashi has begun by arunodaya (4:26 AM), so the day is not touched by Dashami.
The Vaishnava day uses the simple arunodaya rule only; ISKCON computes its calendar for its own place, so check with your temple.
How the parana window is set
The fast is broken the next day, in Dwadashi: after Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi), preferably in the pratah kaal, avoiding madhyahna, and before Dwadashi ends.
All times come from our own engine for New Delhi’s sunrise, sunset and moonrise. In another city they shift by some minutes, and occasionally the day moves. Your city’s panchang
About Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi falls in the dark half of Bhadrapada (Shravana in the amanta reckoning), just after Janmashtami. It is also called Annada Ekadashi. Its story, of King Harishchandra, makes it a day to hold on to honesty when life is hard.
Also called: Annada Ekadashi
The katha
King Harishchandra, famous for never breaking his word, gave away his kingdom to keep a promise, sold his wife and son, and ended up working at a cremation ground. In his grief he met the sage Gautama, who told him to keep Aja Ekadashi. He kept it, and his trials ended: his son was restored to life, his family reunited and his kingdom returned.
A summary of the Ekadashi mahatmya in the Padma and Bhavishya Uttara Puranas.
How Ekadashi is kept
- The fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to the parana on the next day. Many eat a single simple, sattvic meal on Dashami evening, before the fast begins.
- Grains and pulses, rice above all, are traditionally avoided. Fruit, milk, curd, nuts and phalahar foods such as sabudana, kuttu, singhara and potato are commonly eaten; the exact custom differs from family to family.
- The fast can be kept at different levels: nirjala (without water), phalahar (fruit and milk), or one meal without grains. Choose what suits your body; no single level is required of everyone.
- The day is given to Vishnu: tulsi leaves, a lamp, the Vishnu Sahasranama or a mantra such as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and the katha of that Ekadashi. Tulsi is usually picked the day before, as many avoid plucking it on Ekadashi.
- Some stay awake at night singing bhajans (jagaran), and many give food or grain in charity.
- Parana is on Dwadashi, within the window shown in the list: after Hari Vasara, ideally early in the day, and before Dwadashi ends. The fast is usually broken with something light, often with a little tulsi water.
- Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, elderly, diabetic, on regular medication or unwell can keep a lighter fast — fruit and milk, or one meal — or simply keep the day in prayer. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor before fasting.
Questions people ask
When is Aja Ekadashi 2026?
Aja Ekadashi is on Monday, 7 September 2026 (New Delhi). Krishna Ekadashi tithi runs from 6 Sep, 7:29 PM – 7 Sep, 5:04 PM.
What is the parana time for Aja Ekadashi?
Parana is on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, 6:02 AM – 8:32 AM, after Hari Vasara and while Dwadashi lasts.
Is the Vaishnava Aja Ekadashi on a different day?
No. Ekadashi has begun by arunodaya, so Smarta and Vaishnava calendars both keep the fast on 7 September 2026.