Ekadashi · 2026
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 — Thursday, 29 January 2026
Jaya Ekadashi falls on Thursday, 29 January 2026 in New Delhi. Parana is on 30 Jan, 7:10 AM – 9:20 AM.
Computed for New Delhi
Thursday, 29 January 2026
- Tithi
- Shukla Ekadashi: 28 Jan, 4:36 PM – 29 Jan, 1:55 PM
- Lunar month
- Magha
- Sunrise / sunset
- 7:10 AM / 5:57 PM
- Arunodaya (96 min before sunrise)
- 5:34 AM
| Parana (breaking the fast) | 30 Jan, 7:10 AM – 30 Jan, 9:20 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 (5:34 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 Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi falls in the bright half of Magha, a few days after Vasant Panchami. Its story is of release from a curse, and the day is kept to leave behind whatever has held one back. In parts of the south and in Odisha the same day is kept as Bhishma (Bhaimi) Ekadashi.
Also called: Bhaimi Ekadashi
The katha
In Indra’s court the gandharva Malyavan and the apsara Pushpavati, lost in each other, sang and danced out of tune. Indra cursed them to live as pishachas in the Himalayas. There, in bitter cold and misery, on the day of Jaya Ekadashi they ate nothing and could not sleep all night. That unintended fast and vigil freed them, and they returned to heaven.
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 Jaya Ekadashi 2026?
Jaya Ekadashi is on Thursday, 29 January 2026 (New Delhi). Shukla Ekadashi tithi runs from 28 Jan, 4:36 PM – 29 Jan, 1:55 PM.
What is the parana time for Jaya Ekadashi?
Parana is on Friday, 30 January 2026, 7:10 AM – 9:20 AM, after Hari Vasara and while Dwadashi lasts.
Is the Vaishnava Jaya Ekadashi on a different day?
No. Ekadashi has begun by arunodaya, so Smarta and Vaishnava calendars both keep the fast on 29 January 2026.