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Ekadashi tithi is considered extremely sacred for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Every Ekadashi that occurs throughout the year carries its own specific religious importance and spiritual message. On these days, through fasting, remembrance of the Lord’s name, worship, satsang and acts of charity, devotees strive to engage their minds in devotion to God.
Indira Ekadashi, which falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month, is one such meritorious tithi. As it occurs during Pitru Paksha, this day is specially associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu along with feelings of reverence and righteous deeds. It is believed that by observing the fast properly, remembering Lord Vishnu and performing charity according to one’s capacity, the devotee attains spiritual peace and the grace of the Lord.
In the year 2026, the Indira Ekadashi fast will be observed on 6 October. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 2:07 AM on the night of 6 October and ends at 12:34 AM on the night of 7 October. In Hindu tradition, the rising tithi holds importance; therefore, Indira Ekadashi will be celebrated on 6 October.
The fast will be broken (parana) on 7 October between 6:26 AM and 8:49 AM in the morning.
There may be a slight difference in the timings of the fast and parana according to the local panchang. Therefore, devotees should confirm the timings as per the panchang calculation of their region.
The core essence of Indira Ekadashi is connected with the worship of Lord Vishnu and dedicating one’s mind at His feet. On this day, the tradition is to bathe early in the morning, wear clean clothes, take the resolve (sankalp) of the fast and perform the proper worship of Lord Vishnu.
In the worship, yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, akshat, incense, a lamp and naivedya are offered to Lord Vishnu. Offering tulsi leaves to the Lord is also considered especially auspicious. Throughout the day, while keeping the mind engaged in sattvic thoughts, one may chant the name of Lord Vishnu, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, sing bhajans-kirtans or listen to the stories of Shri Hari.
Indira Ekadashi, falling during Pitru Paksha, is considered to have special religious importance. On this day, along with the worship of Lord Vishnu, one should maintain a feeling of reverence and good deeds. Devotees should perform worship, chanting, recitation and charity according to their devotion.
The Ekadashi fast leads a person towards control over the senses, remembrance of the Lord and self-reflection. When a devotee takes some time out from worldly preoccupations and engages the mind in the Lord’s name, peace and spiritual awareness arise within. Therefore, Indira Ekadashi should be seen as an opportunity for devotion, restraint, good conduct and altruism.
On Dwadashi tithi, after bathing in the morning, perform the worship of Lord Vishnu. Thereafter, break the fast during the prescribed parana period. Before or along with the parana, it is considered meritorious to donate food or other useful items to a needy person according to one’s devotion. Parana should always be done at the proper time and according to one’s religious tradition.
In Sanatan Dharma, charity is regarded as an expression of service, compassion and altruism. Charity becomes meaningful only when it is free from ego and is done with feelings of devotion and welfare of humanity. On the day of Ekadashi, one may donate food, meals and necessary items according to one’s capacity. Especially, feeding a needy person is a simple and pure medium of service.
While giving charity, one should keep the feeling that God has made us capable of helping someone. Therefore, there should be no feeling of ego or favour in charity, but only gratitude and humility.
The glory of charity is described in the Manusmriti as follows:
Tapah param kritayuge tretayam jnanamuchyate.
Dwaparae yajnamevahur danamekam kalau yuge.
That is, in Satya Yuga, penance; in Treta, knowledge; in Dwapar, sacrifice; and in Kali Yuga, charity is the means of human welfare.
The sacred occasion of Indira Ekadashi should not remain limited only to observing the fast oneself, but should also become a means of bringing joy into the life of some needy person. This is the beautiful spirit of service.
On this meritorious tithi, by cooperating in the food service project run by Narayan Seva Sansthan, become a participant in providing meals for poor, underprivileged and differently-abled children. Your cooperation can bring a smile to the face of some needy person and can further strengthen the feeling of service within you. With the feeling of worshipping Lord Vishnu along with the resolve of human service, make this sacred Ekadashi even more meaningful.
Indira Ekadashi does not merely prescribe fasting; it inspires us to give place to restraint, devotion, faith and altruism in life. Engaging the mind at the feet of Shri Hari, adopting sattvic conduct, helping the needy and dedicating one’s actions to God—this is the true spirit of this sacred tithi.
Come, on Indira Ekadashi, remember Lord Vishnu, observe the fast and worship with devotion, and take the resolve of service and charity according to your capacity. By the grace of Shri Hari, may our minds be filled with devotion and may our actions progress on the path of human welfare.
Jai Shri Hari!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will Indira Ekadashi be celebrated in 2026?
A: The Indira Ekadashi fast will be observed on 6 October 2026.
Q: What is the religious significance of Indira Ekadashi?
A: Indira Ekadashi is a sacred tithi dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, fasting, Vishnu worship, remembrance of the Lord’s name, listening to katha and charity are considered especially important.
Q: Which deity is worshipped on Indira Ekadashi?
A: On this day, mainly Lord Vishnu is worshipped.
Q: Can rice be eaten on the day of Indira Ekadashi?
A: Generally, the consumption of rice is considered prohibited on the day of Ekadashi.
Q: If one cannot keep a nirjala fast due to health reasons, can a fruit fast be observed?
A: The fast should be kept according to one’s physical capacity and health. If a nirjala fast is not possible, the option of a fruit fast or grain-free sattvic diet can be adopted.
Our ancestors laid the foundation of the family through their lives, austerities, values, and good deeds. Pitru Paksha is the sacred opportunity to express reverence and gratitude towards them.
Parivartini Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada holds special importance. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi, Parshva Ekadashi and Dol Gyaras.
In the year 2026, Shradh Paksha (Pitru Paksha) will begin on 26 September 2026 and end on 10 October 2026 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. During this sacred period, followers of Sanatan Dharma can perform Shradh, Tarpan and other rituals for their ancestors according to the respective tithi.
