Rama Ekadashi 2026 Date: November 5 or 6? Check Parana Time, Vrat Katha and Puja Vidhi

Rama Ekadashi will be observed on November 5, 2026, during the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartika in the Purnimanta calendar. In the Amanta calendar, the same lunar fortnight is counted as Ashwin Krishna Paksha. The vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and devotees worship him with prayers, fasting and the recitation of the Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

The Ekadashi Tithi begins on November 4 and ends on November 5. Parana, the ritual of breaking the fast, is observed on Dwadashi, November 6. The exact Parana window depends on the location and Panchang tradition followed.

Rama Ekadashi 2026: Important Details

Event	Date and Time
Rama Ekadashi Vrat	Thursday, November 5, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Begins	November 4, 11:03 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	November 5, 10:35 AM
Parana Date	Friday, November 6, 2026
Parana Time	Approximately 6:37 AM–8:48 AM, New Delhi
Hindu Month	Kartika (Purnimanta); Ashwin (Amanta)
Paksha	Krishna Paksha
Presiding Deity	Lord Vishnu

Timings are based on New Delhi Panchang calculations. Parana timings may vary by location and Panchang tradition.

What Is Rama Ekadashi?

Rama Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashi observances in the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls on the 11th lunar day, or Ekadashi Tithi, of Krishna Paksha in Kartika according to the Purnimanta calendar. In the Amanta calendar, the same observance is known as Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi.

The name is also written as Ramaa Ekadashi or Rambha Ekadashi in some traditions. The observance is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as the preserver of the universe. The name “Ramaa” is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, though the central vrat is an Ekadashi dedicated to Vishnu.

Devotees observe the fast through prayer, restraint, charity and worship. Its religious importance is described in traditional accounts that connect the observance with the removal of sins and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

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Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The traditional Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha tells the story of King Muchukunda, his daughter Chandrabhaga and her husband Shobhana. The story is associated with the Padma Purana and is narrated by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.

King Muchukunda was known for his devotion to Lord Vishnu and for ruling his kingdom with righteousness. His daughter Chandrabhaga was also deeply devoted and observed Ekadashi fasts with faith.

Chandrabhaga was married to Shobhana, who was physically weak. During a visit to her father’s kingdom, Shobhana encountered the strict observance of Ekadashi. The kingdom’s residents were expected to fast, and Shobhana also undertook the vrat despite his frail condition.

According to the katha, Shobhana died after observing the fast. However, the spiritual merit of his observance led him to a magnificent celestial city on Mount Mandara. The city was beautiful but its existence was not permanent.

A sage later informed Chandrabhaga about Shobhana’s fate. Because she had observed Ekadashi with deep faith over many years, she was able to use the merit of her devotion to make the celestial city lasting. She eventually reunited with Shobhana.

The story’s central message is that devotion and faith are considered essential to the spiritual value of a religious observance. It also highlights the traditional belief that sincere worship and the merit of a vrat can bring divine blessings.

Rama Ekadashi and the Message of Faith

The story of Shobhana and Chandrabhaga is the principal traditional narrative associated with Rama Ekadashi. It emphasises the role of faith, rather than treating fasting as a ritual performed only for its outward form. The katha is commonly read or heard during the observance. Devotees may also reflect on its message through prayer, charity and acts of compassion.

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Rama Ekadashi 2026 Puja Vidhi

Devotees can observe Rama Ekadashi according to their family tradition and personal capacity. Commonly followed rituals include:

1. Morning Rituals: Wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes. Clean the prayer area and prepare for worship.
2. Sankalp: Take a vow to observe the vrat with devotion, according to your capacity and tradition.
3. Lord Vishnu Puja: Offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, a diya and permitted offerings to Lord Vishnu.
4. Mantra Chanting: Recite a Vishnu mantra, such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” or read the Vishnu Sahasranama.
5. Vrat Katha: Read or listen to the Rama Ekadashi story of King Muchukunda, Chandrabhaga and Shobhana.
6. Charity: Donate food, clothes or other essentials according to your means.
7. Evening Worship: Perform Aarti, sing bhajans or spend time in prayer and meditation.
8. Parana: Break the fast on Dwadashi during the prescribed Parana window.

Rama Ekadashi Fasting Rules

Rama Ekadashi fasting practices vary. Some devotees observe a strict fast, while others follow a fruit-based or partial fast. The choice is generally guided by personal health, family tradition and religious practice.

Types of Vrat

• Nirjala Vrat: A strict fast without food or water. This is a demanding form of fasting and is not suitable for everyone.
• Phalahar Vrat: Devotees consume permitted fruits, milk and fasting foods while avoiding regular grains.
• Partial Fasting: Some devotees follow a lighter fast or avoid specific foods while continuing their daily activities.

Foods to Avoid

Commonly followed restrictions include:

• Rice and other grains
• Wheat and pulses
• Onion and garlic, according to the tradition followed
• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol and intoxicants

Rama Ekadashi Significance and Benefits

Rama Ekadashi is considered spiritually important because it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and encourages devotees to practise devotion, restraint and righteous conduct.

Traditional beliefs associate the vrat with:

• Devotion to Lord Vishnu: Worship and prayer are central to the observance.
• Spiritual purification: The fast is traditionally believed to help devotees seek purification and forgiveness.
• Self-discipline: Abstaining from certain foods and focusing on prayer can encourage restraint.
• Seeking forgiveness: Devotees may use the day to reflect on past actions and seek divine grace.
• Peace and spiritual progress: Prayer, mantra chanting and meditation are believed to support spiritual growth.
• Charity and righteous conduct: Giving to those in need is considered a meaningful part of the observance.

What Should You Do on Rama Ekadashi?

Devotees observing Rama Ekadashi can follow this practical checklist:

• Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Observe a fast according to personal capacity and tradition.
• Read or listen to the Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Chant Vishnu mantras or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Give food or essentials to someone in need.
• Spend time in prayer, meditation or devotional singing.
• Break the fast on Dwadashi during the prescribed Parana time.

What Should You Avoid on Rama Ekadashi?

Common practices include avoiding grains, pulses and non-vegetarian food during the fast. Some traditions also avoid onion and garlic.

Devotees may choose to limit distractions and focus on prayer, self-discipline and charitable acts. Many households also avoid harsh speech, arguments and conduct considered inconsistent with the spirit of the vrat.

These practices are customary religious guidance, and observance may differ between communities. The fast should be followed according to one’s health and capacity rather than through force or discomfort.

Rama Ekadashi 2026 Parana Time

Rama Ekadashi Parana will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Dwadashi Tithi following the vrat.

For New Delhi, a commonly listed Parana window is approximately 6:37 AM to 8:48 AM. Some Panchang sources provide a wider window, so devotees should follow the timing given by the Panchang used in their household.

Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast. It is generally performed after sunrise on Dwadashi, while observing the relevant rules for the prescribed time. The exact window is location-specific and may vary according to the Panchang calculation.

When Is the Next Ekadashi?

The next Ekadashi after Rama Ekadashi is Devutthana Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. It will be observed on Friday, November 20, 2026, according to the Smarta calendar for New Delhi. Some Vaishnava traditions observe it on November 21.

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FAQs on Rama Ekadashi 2026

1. When is Rama Ekadashi in 2026?
   Rama Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during Krishna Paksha of Kartika in the Purnimanta calendar.
2. What are the Tithi timings for Rama Ekadashi 2026?
   For New Delhi, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on November 4 at approximately 11:03 AM and ends on November 5 at approximately 10:35 AM. Timings may vary by location and Panchang calculation.
3. What is the Parana time for Rama Ekadashi 2026?
   Parana is on Friday, November 6, 2026. A commonly listed New Delhi window is approximately 6:37 AM to 8:48 AM. Check the local Panchang for the timing applicable to your location.
4. What is the significance of Rama Ekadashi?
   Rama Ekadashi is traditionally associated with devotion to Lord Vishnu, spiritual purification, self-discipline and the seeking of divine blessings. Its Vrat Katha highlights the importance of faith in religious observance.
5. What is the Vrat Katha of Rama Ekadashi?
   The traditional story centres on Shobhana, the son-in-law of King Muchukunda, who observes the fast despite being weak. The merit of his observance leads him to a celestial city, while his wife Chandrabhaga’s devotion is said to make the city permanent. The katha highlights faith and devotion.