Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Time, Importance of Donation

In Sanatan Dharma, the Ekadashi tithi (lunar day) is considered extremely sacred and meritorious for the worship of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. The Ekadashi falling in both the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) and Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of every month offers seekers an opportunity for spiritual growth and the attainment of divine grace.

Among these holy Ekadashis, Yogini Ekadashi—which falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month—holds special significance. According to scriptures, this Ekadashi is believed to destroy all known and unknown sins, liberate one from ailments, and ultimately grant Moksha.

Scriptures state that a devotee who observes the Yogini Ekadashi fast with faith and in accordance with prescribed rituals reaps benefits equivalent to performing great Yagyas (sacrificial rituals), undertaking pilgrimages, and performing acts of immense charity. For this reason, devotees particularly engage in virtuous activities such as fasting, chanting (japa), meditation, worship, and charity on this day.

When is Yogini Ekadashi 2026?

According to the Drik Panchang, the Yogini Ekadashi fast in 2026 will be observed on Friday, July 10, 2026. The auspicious time for the commencement of Yogini Ekadashi is 08:16 AM on July 10, 2026, and the Tithi (lunar day) concludes at 05:22 AM on July 11, 2026.

In Hinduism, the Udaya Tithi (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise) holds special significance; therefore, Yogini Ekadashi will be celebrated on July 10, 2026. Additionally, the Parana (breaking of the fast) can be performed between 01:59 PM and 04:37 PM on July 11, 2026.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is described in the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana. It is said to destroy all sins and bestow immense merit upon the observer. The scriptures state that observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast yields the same spiritual merit as feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins. The Brahmavaivarta Purana mentions Yogini Ekadashi with the following verse:

Ashtashiti-sahasrani dvijan bhojayate tu yah;
Tat-phalam samavapnoti Yogini-vrata-krin-narah.

This means that the merit gained by feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins is attained by observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast. This Ekadashi is known for destroying great sins and bestowing immense merit.

According to religious beliefs, this fast not only liberates one from sins but also grants the devotee happiness, prosperity, good health, and spiritual peace. Through the grace of Lord Vishnu, many obstacles in life are removed, and the devotee advances towards attaining Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (fulfillment of desires), and Moksha (liberation).

Rituals for Yogini Ekadashi Fast

On the day of Yogini Ekadashi, wake up during Brahma-muhurta (the auspicious pre-dawn period), bathe, and take a solemn vow (Sankalpa) to observe the fast. Afterward, place idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi at the place of worship and perform the rituals properly.

During the worship, offer incense, a deepa (lamp), naivedya (food offering), yellow flowers, yellow-colored food offerings (bhog), and seasonal fruits. Light a ghee lamp before Lord Vishnu and perform arati. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama and listening to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha (the story of the fast) on this day is considered especially meritorious.

Devotees may observe the fast without water (Nirjala), with only water (Jalahar), or with a fruit-based diet (Phalahar), depending on their capacity and traditions. Staying awake at night (Jagaran) to sing hymns (Bhajans and Kirtans) and contemplate the Lord is considered highly auspicious.

Points to Remember During the Fast

Yogini Ekadashi is a festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu as well as the purification of mind, speech, and actions. Therefore, certain rules should be observed on this day:

Do not consume Tamasic food (food that induces lethargy or agitation).
Refrain from lying.
Avoid anger, disputes, and harsh speech. Refrain from excessive conversation and spend your time contemplating the Divine.
Chant the names of Lord Vishnu.
At night, engage in worship, devotional singing (bhajan), and meditation to the best of your ability.

Donate on Yogini Ekadashi

In Sanatan Dharma, charity is considered a fundamental pillar of righteousness (Dharma). Scriptures state that charity is not merely the act of giving away an object but an extension of compassion, service, and benevolence. Charity performed on auspicious occasions like Ekadashi yields manifold spiritual rewards.

Donating the following items on the day of Yogini Ekadashi is considered especially auspicious:

Food grains and cereals
Fruits and sweets
Pots filled with water
Arranging meals for the needy

Glory of Charity According to the Scriptures

In Indian culture, charity has always been ranked among the supreme virtuous acts. Our scriptures contain the stories of great philanthropists like Sage Dadhichi, the immensely generous Karna, and King Rantideva, who sacrificed everything for the welfare of others.

The great poet-king Bhartrihari, while describing the glory of charity in Niti-shatakam, stated:

Daanena bhutani vashi bhavanti, daanena vairanyapi yanti nasham.
Paropi bandhutvamupaiti daanair, daanam hi sarvavyasanani hanti.

This means through charity, all beings are pleased, enmity is eradicated, and even a stranger becomes a kinsman. Charity possesses the power to dispel many of a person’s troubles and flaws.

When we provide food to the hungry, water to the needy, or assistance to the helpless, that service reaches the Divine directly.

Doante Food on Yogini Ekadashi

Scriptures proclaim the donation of food (Anna-daan) as the greatest form of charity because food is the foundation of life. On a sacred occasion like Yogini Ekadashi, if a person feeds the hungry, the poor, the differently abled, or the needy, they attain immense spiritual merit. On this auspicious occasion, participate in the service initiative of Narayan Seva Sanstha to provide meals to destitute, helpless, underprivileged, and needy children, and receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Yogini Ekadashi is a grand festival dedicated not only to fasting but also to self-purification, devotion, restraint, and service. This day offers an opportunity to seek the grace of Lord Vishnu, liberate oneself from the flaws and sins of life, and fulfill one’s responsibilities towards the needy through acts of charity and benevolence.

When observed with reverence, faith, and a pure heart, this fast paves the way for spiritual progress, happiness, prosperity, and peace in the seeker’s life. Therefore, on this Yogini Ekadashi, let us remember Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, observe the fast and perform worship, and enrich our lives by engaging in virtuous deeds such as serving the needy and donating food. May everyone’s life be blessed with auspiciousness through the grace of Shri Hari.