Ekadashi in March 2026: Check dates, parana time, rituals and significance

Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Ekadashi, which is considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. On this auspicious occasion, devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset and pray to Lord Vishnu with deep devotion and purity.

Ekadashi occurs twice every month, once during Shukla Paksha and once during Krishna Paksha. The fast is traditionally concluded on the following day during Dwadashi Tithi at the time known as parana.

Ekadashi 2026: Date and Time

• Papmochani Ekadashi Date and Time

Ekadashi Tithi Begins – March 14, 2026 – 08:10 AM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends – March 15, 2026 – 09:16 AM
Parana Time – March 16, 2026 – 06:30 AM to 08:54 AM
On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – 09:40 AM

• Kamada Ekadashi 2026: Date and Time

Ekadashi Tithi Begins – March 28, 2026 – 08:45 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – March 29, 2026 – 07:46 AM
Parana Time – March 30, 2026 – 06:14 AM to 07:09 AM
Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – March 30, 2026 – 07:09 AM

Importance of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most important days dedicated to the worship of Shri Hari. Devotees observe a fast on this sacred day and perform special prayers to seek blessings.

There are 24 Ekadashi days in a year, occurring twice every month during Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The day holds deep religious and spiritual significance for Hindus. On this occasion, devotees fast, chant mantras, perform spiritual purification, offer bhog prasad, recite vrat katha, and pray for divine blessings.

Ekadashi 2026: Puja Rituals

• Begin the day with a holy bath after waking up.
• Clean the house and the puja room before preparing the altar.
• Place an idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, often represented through the Shree Yantra.
• Light a diya using desi ghee, decorate the idols with flowers, and offer homemade sweets.
• Chant the "Vishnu Maha Mantra" and "Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye" 108 times.
• Recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Spend the day chanting mantras and engaging in devotional activities.
• Worship Lord Vishnu again in the evening and conclude the puja by reciting the aarti.
• The fast is broken the next day during Dwadashi Tithi. Those who are unable to fast strictly may consume sattvik food, fruits, fried potatoes with curd, and milk products. However, rice is strictly avoided on Ekadashi.