October 2026 Ekadashi Dates: Indira Ekadashi, Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Timings, Parana Time and Significance

October 2026 Ekadashi: There will be two Ekadashi fasting days in October 2026 Indira Ekadashi on October 6 and Papankusha Ekadashi on October 22. Both Ekadashis fall in the Ashwina lunar month and are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Indira Ekadashi occurs during Krishna Paksha, while Papankusha Ekadashi falls during Shukla Paksha. Devotees observe Ekadashi vrat by fasting, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and following traditional devotional practices. The exact fasting and Parana timings depend on location, so devotees should check their local Panchang before beginning or breaking the fast.

Also Read: October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates

October 2026 Ekadashi Dates: Complete List

Ekadashi	Date	Day	Paksha	Tithi Timing
Indira Ekadashi	October 6, 2026	Tuesday	Ashwina Krishna Ekadashi	October 6, 2:07 AM – October 7, 12:34 AM
Papankusha Ekadashi	October 22, 2026	Thursday	Ashwina Shukla Ekadashi	October 21, 2:11 PM – October 22, 2:47 PM

*The dates and tithi timings above are based on Delhi/New Delhi calculations. Local timings can vary by city.*

Indira Ekadashi 2026

Indira Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. It falls during Ashwina Krishna Paksha and is traditionally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 2:07 AM on October 6 and ends at 12:34 AM on October 7, according to Delhi calculations. Indira Ekadashi holds particular significance because it occurs around the period of Pitru Paksha. Devotees traditionally observe the fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu while also remembering their ancestors.

Indira Ekadashi Vrat and Parana Time

For New Delhi, the Parana period on the following Dwadashi is listed as approximately 6:17 AM to 10:12 AM on October 7, 2026. The exact Parana window can differ depending on the location and Panchang calculation.

Parana refers to breaking the Ekadashi fast after sunrise on Dwadashi. Traditional guidance recommends breaking the fast within the prescribed Dwadashi period and avoiding the Hari Vasara period when applicable.

Devotees may observe the fast according to their health, family tradition and personal religious practice. Common forms include water-only fasting, fruit-based fasting or a single non-grain meal. Foods containing grains and cereals are traditionally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.

Significance of Indira Ekadashi

Indira Ekadashi is associated with prayers for the spiritual welfare of ancestors. Traditional accounts connect the observance with seeking Lord Vishnu's blessings for departed family members. Because it occurs during the Pitru Paksha period, the day can be particularly meaningful for devotees who combine Vishnu worship with remembrance of their ancestors. Prayer, charity, fasting and devotional activities are commonly associated with the observance. The central spiritual theme of Ekadashi remains devotion, self-discipline and remembrance of Lord Vishnu.

Also Read: October 2026 Purnima and Amavasya Dates: Tithi Timings, Rituals and Significance

Papankusha Ekadashi 2026

Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, October 22, 2026. It falls during Ashwina Shukla Paksha. According to Delhi Panchang calculations, the Ekadashi tithi begins at 2:11 PM on October 21 and ends at 2:47 PM on October 22.

Papankusha Ekadashi is traditionally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name is associated with the spiritual removal or overcoming of sins and negative actions through devotion and righteous conduct. Devotees may observe a fast, worship Lord Vishnu and spend the day reciting Vishnu-related prayers, reading religious texts and performing charity.

Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat and Parana Time

For New Delhi, the Parana window is approximately 6:27 AM to 10:12 AM on October 23, 2026. Since Parana is dependent on the local sunrise and Dwadashi tithi, devotees in other cities should follow their local Panchang for the exact time. As with other Ekadashi fasts, devotees can choose the type of fasting according to their physical capacity and family tradition. Those observing a strict vrat generally avoid grains and cereals and consume permitted fasting foods instead.

Papankusha Ekadashi Significance

Papankusha Ekadashi is considered an important Vishnu vrat in the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees traditionally use the day for prayer, fasting, meditation and charitable activities. The observance is associated with seeking forgiveness, spiritual purification and the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Rather than focusing only on fasting, the day is traditionally viewed as an opportunity to practice restraint, devotion and righteous conduct.

Ekadashi Vrat Rituals in October 2026

Although customs differ between families and regions, common Ekadashi observances include:

• Taking a ritual bath and making a Sankalp for the fast.
• Worshipping Lord Vishnu with flowers, lamps, fruits and other offerings.
• Reciting Vishnu mantras or reading devotional scriptures.
• Observing a fast according to one's health and family tradition.
• Avoiding grains and cereals during the vrat.
• Practising charity and helping those in need.
• Maintaining devotional activities throughout the day.
• Breaking the fast during the prescribed Dwadashi Parana period.

Some devotees observe a complete fast, while others follow fruit-based or other permitted fasting diets. Traditional sources also describe different levels of fasting, so the practice need not be identical for every devotee.

October 2026 Ekadashi: Indira vs Papankusha

The two October Ekadashis have different positions in the lunar fortnight and different traditional associations:

Feature	Indira Ekadashi	Papankusha Ekadashi
Date	October 6, 2026	October 22, 2026
Day	Tuesday	Thursday
Paksha	Krishna Paksha	Shukla Paksha
Lunar Month	Ashwina	Ashwina
Main Deity	Lord Vishnu	Lord Vishnu
Key association	Ancestor remembrance and spiritual welfare	Spiritual purification and devotion
Parana	October 7	October 23