Ekadashi in September 2026: Aja Ekadashi & Parsva Ekadashi Dates, Vrat Timings, Parana Time, Significance and Benefits

If you are searching for Ekadashi in September 2026, there will be two important Ekadashi vrat dates this month: Aja Ekadashi and Parsva Ekadashi. Both are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and hold special significance for devotees who observe fasting, prayer, charity and Vishnu worship.

According to the 2026 Hindu calendar, Aja Ekadashi falls on September 7, 2026, while Parsva Ekadashi falls on September 22, 2026. Both occur during Bhadrapada month, with Aja Ekadashi falling in Krishna Paksha and Parsva Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha.

Also Read: September 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Teej & Pitru Paksha Dates

Ekadashi in September 2026: Complete Dates and Timings

Ekadashi	Date	Ekadashi Tithi Begins	Ekadashi Tithi Ends	Parana
Aja Ekadashi	September 7, 2026, Monday	September 6, 07:29 PM	September 7, 05:03 PM	September 8, around 06:02 AM–10:13 AM
Parsva Ekadashi	September 22, 2026, Tuesday	September 21, 08:00 PM	September 22, 09:43 PM	September 23, around 06:10 AM–10:12 AM

Panchang timings can vary by location, so devotees should check their local Panchang for the exact Parana Muhurat. Ekadashi fasting is generally observed from local sunrise and that Parana should be performed after sunrise on Dwadashi within the prescribed period.

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

Aja Ekadashi 2026: Date and Significance

Aja Ekadashi will be observed on September 7, 2026 (Monday). It falls during the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Ekadashi Tithi begins on September 6 at 7:29 PM and ends on September 7 at 5:03 PM. Devotees observing the fast can perform Parana on September 8, with the Delhi reference showing a Parana window of approximately 6:02 AM to 10:13 AM.

Aja Ekadashi is traditionally associated with forgiveness, removal of sins and relief from difficult circumstances. Devotees observe the vrat with the belief that sincere worship and fasting can help purify the mind and strengthen devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Aja Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The traditional story of Aja Ekadashi revolves around King Harishchandra, who was known for his commitment to truth. According to the Vrat Katha, the king faced severe hardships and eventually sought guidance from Sage Gautama.

The sage advised him to observe Aja Ekadashi and remain devoted to Lord Vishnu. King Harishchandra followed the advice and observed the fast with sincerity. According to the traditional account, the power of the vrat helped end his suffering and restore his kingdom and family. The story emphasizes the importance of faith, truthfulness, perseverance and devotion, particularly during difficult times.

Also Read: September 2026 Sankashti Chaturthi Date, Moonrise Time and Puja Muhurat

Parsva Ekadashi 2026: Date and Significance

Parsva Ekadashi will be observed on September 22, 2026 (Tuesday). It is also known as Parivartini Ekadashi and Vamana Ekadashi. Ekadashi Tithi begins on September 21 at 8:00 PM and ends on September 22 at 9:43 PM. The Parana is observed on September 23, with the Delhi/ISKCON reference giving a window of approximately 6:10 AM to 10:12 AM.

The name Parivartini refers to a change or turning over. Hindu tradition associates this Ekadashi with Lord Vishnu's divine sleep during Chaturmas. It is considered an important occasion for Vishnu worship, fasting and spiritual reflection.

Why Are September Ekadashis Important?

Both September Ekadashis offer devotees an opportunity to step away from routine activities and focus on spiritual practices.

Traditional beliefs associate these fasts with:

• Purification of the mind and body
• Removal of negative karma
• Seeking forgiveness for past mistakes
• Strengthening devotion toward Lord Vishnu
• Mental peace and self-discipline
• Spiritual growth
• The merit of charity and religious observances

Devotees may spend the day chanting Vishnu mantras, reading sacred texts, listening to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha and helping those in need.

Ekadashi Vrat Rules for September 2026

The fasting method can differ according to an individual's health, capacity and family tradition.

Nirjala Vrat: Some devotees observe a strict fast without food or water.

Phalahar Vrat: Devotees may consume fruits, milk, dry fruits and other permitted fasting foods.

Foods Generally Avoided

• Rice
• Wheat
• Pulses and grains
• Onion and garlic
• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol and intoxicants

Those unable to observe a strict fast should choose an appropriate form of fasting rather than compromising their health.

September Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Devotees generally follow these rituals:

Morning

• Wake up early and take a holy bath.
• Clean the home temple and puja area.
• Take a Sankalp for the Ekadashi vrat.
• Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, flowers and a diya.

During the Day

• Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Read or listen to the respective Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Perform charity and help those in need.

Evening

• Perform Vishnu Aarti.
• Light a diya and offer prayers.
• Spend time in meditation, bhajans and devotional activities.

Spiritual Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat

According to Hindu religious traditions, observing Ekadashi with devotion may help devotees:

• Seek Lord Vishnu's blessings
• Remove accumulated negative karma
• Develop self-control and discipline
• Find greater mental peace
• Strengthen spiritual awareness
• Overcome obstacles
• Earn spiritual merit through charity and devotion

These are traditional religious beliefs and should not be understood as scientifically established effects.

How to Observe Ekadashi in September 2026?

Wake up early, take a bath and make a Sankalp to observe the vrat. Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, flowers and prayers, avoid grains and other prohibited foods, and spend the day in chanting, meditation and charity. Break the fast during the prescribed Parana Muhurat on Dwadashi.