The Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik is considered highly sacred for worshipping Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. This Ekadashi is known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Devutthan Ekadashi, and Prabodhini Ekadashi.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Vishnu enters a four-month period of Yog Nidra from Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi and awakens on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. With the awakening of Lord Vishnu, the Chaturmas period comes to an end, and an auspicious period for weddings and other sacred ceremonies begins.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi is not only an important day for fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu but also a sacred occasion that inspires devotion, self-discipline, service, and charity.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, light a lamp for Tulsi Mata, observe the Ekadashi fast, and serve people in need according to their capacity and faith.
According to the Vedic Panchang, Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, November 20, 2026. It will begin at 7:15 AM on November 20, 2026, and end at 6:31 AM on November 21, 2026. According to the Udaya Tithi principle, the Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast will be observed on November 20.
Devotees observing the fast should follow the Parana timing given in their local Panchang for breaking the fast on Dwadashi Tithi. Since sunrise timings vary from one location to another, the Parana time may also differ depending on the place.
According to religious beliefs, Chaturmas begins after Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra. During this period, devotees focus particularly on worship, fasting, spiritual practices, and religious observances, while many auspicious ceremonies are traditionally avoided.
With Lord Vishnu’s awakening on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the Chaturmas period comes to an end. This is why Dev Uthani Ekadashi is considered the day when the divine powers awaken.
From this day onward, auspicious occasions such as weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and other sacred ceremonies can traditionally be performed.
Lord Vishnu is regarded as the preserver of the universe. Therefore, devotees worship Him on this day and pray for happiness, peace, prosperity, and righteousness in their lives.
Worshipping Lord Shri Hari along with Goddess Lakshmi is also believed to bring blessings of well-being and good fortune to the family.
The tradition of Tulsi Vivah is also associated with Dev Uthani Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, Tulsi Mata is considered a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, while Lord Shaligram is regarded as a form of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, devotees organize the symbolic marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram on this day and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
For Tulsi Vivah, decorate the Tulsi plant and offer a chunri, roli, akshat, flowers, and other puja materials to Tulsi Mata. Worship Lord Shaligram and place both in the wedding mandap. Complete the marriage rituals according to your family traditions.
Sing auspicious devotional songs, perform the Aarti, and distribute Prasad. Through Tulsi Vivah, devotees pray for happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness in their families.
Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage destination in Maharashtra. A large religious gathering is held here on Kartiki Ekadashi. A large number of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings and darshan of Lord Vitthal, who is regarded as a form of Lord Vishnu.
In the devotional tradition of Pandharpur, Kirtan, Bhajan, and remembrance of the Lord’s name hold a special place. Devotees offer their devotion at the feet of Lord Vitthal and pray for spiritual well-being.
The religious traditions of the Kartik month are also associated with Mount Girnar in Gujarat. During this festival, a large number of devotees undertake the Girnar Parikrama. Walking along the challenging route, devotees express their faith and gratitude toward the divine.
The Girnar Parikrama is known not only for its religious significance but also for devotion, patience, and discipline. During the journey, devotees visit the sacred places around the mountain and seek divine blessings.
In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the Kartik month is celebrated with special religious festivities. Because of the sacred Pushkar Lake and the temple of Lord Brahma, Pushkar is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees from India and abroad.
Taking a holy bath in Pushkar Lake, visiting temples, and lighting lamps during the Kartik month are considered spiritually significant. Saints, spiritual seekers, and devotees from different parts of the country visit Pushkar during this period. Along with religious devotion, the Pushkar Fair also showcases the rich folk culture and traditions of Rajasthan.
In the Sanatan tradition, donation is considered an important part of Dharma and selfless service. Serving those in need and contributing to their well-being has always been an integral part of Indian culture. Its importance has been mentioned at various places in religious scriptures and Puranas.
The Kurma Purana describes the importance of charity with the following verse:
Swargayur-bhutikaamena tatha paapopashaantaye.
Mumukshuna cha daatavyam braahmanebhyas tatha arhavam.
It means that a person who seeks heaven, long life, prosperity, relief from sins, and liberation should respectfully give charity to a worthy person.
On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, donate food, grains, and essential items according to your capacity. Feed someone in need, support a financially disadvantaged family, and become a source of support for someone who needs help.
While donating, avoid showing off and maintain sincerity in your service. Support given after understanding the actual needs of a person makes the spirit of charity truly meaningful.
Food is one of the basic necessities of life. Feeding a hungry person is one of the simplest expressions of compassion and humanity. Therefore, on this sacred Ekadashi, which marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu, connect your worship with the spirit of food service.
Through Narayan Seva Sansthan, support the ongoing food service initiative for underprivileged, needy, and differently abled children. Contribute according to your capacity and become a part of providing nutritious meals to a child in need.
Along with offering prayers at the feet of Lord Shri Hari, serve those in need as manifestations of Narayan. This Dev Uthani Ekadashi, take a resolution to bring happiness not only to your family but also to someone who needs your support.
Q: When is Dev Uthani Ekadashi in 2026?
A: Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, November 20, 2026.
Q: Why is this Ekadashi called Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
A: According to religious beliefs, Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi and awakens on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. Therefore, this Tithi is known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
Q: What should we worship on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
A: On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Q: What should we donate on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
A: According to your faith and capacity, donate food, grains, and essential items to people in need.
Recognizing this urgent need, Narayan Seva Sansthan has launched the ‘Sukoon Bhari Sardi’ initiative. Through this campaign, the organization has pledged to provide 100,000 sweaters and blankets to the destitute, the vulnerable, and those in need.
After the celebrations of Diwali, comes a festival that fills homes with happiness and celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. This festival is Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya.
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