Ekadashi in May 2026: Check dates, time, rituals, mantras and other key details

Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred and spiritually significant days in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this auspicious occasion is observed with deep devotion, fasting, and prayers. Ekadashi falls twice every month — during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) — making a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year.The word ‘Ekadashi’ refers to the 11th lunar day of both moon phases. The day symbolizes self-discipline, spiritual awakening, purification, and devotion. Devotees observe fasts and spend time in prayer and meditation to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and move closer to spiritual growth and inner peace.

Here are the Ekadashi observances falling in May 2026 along with their dates, timings and significance:

Ekadashi in May 2026: Date and Time

Apara Ekadashi 2026: Date and Timings

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins – May 12, 2026 – 02:52 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends – May 13, 2026 – 01:29 PM

Parana Time: May 14, 2026 – 05:31 AM to 08:14 AM

Dwadashi End Moment on Parana Day: May 14, 2026 – 01:20 AM

Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Date and Timings

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins – May 26, 2026 – 05:10 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends – May 27, 2026 – 06:21 AM

Parana Time: May 28, 2026 – 05:25 AM to 07:56 AM
Dwadashi End Moment on Parana Day: May 28, 2026 – 07:56 AM

Ekadashi in May 2026: Spiritual Significance

Ekadashi carries immense religious and spiritual importance among devotees of Lord Vishnu. The day is regarded as highly auspicious for worship, fasting, and practicing self-restraint. It encourages people to detach themselves from worldly distractions and focus on spiritual progress.

In today’s fast-paced and materialistic lifestyle, Ekadashi serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with inner peace. Devotees spend the day chanting mantras, reading holy scriptures, meditating, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing the fast with sincerity helps cleanse the mind and soul, reduces negative karma, and brings positivity, peace, and spiritual clarity.

Ekadashi in May 2026: Puja Rituals

1. Wake up early in the morning, preferably during Brahma Muhurat, and take a holy bath before beginning the puja rituals.
2. Perform Naam Japa during Brahma Muhurat, as it is considered highly auspicious on Ekadashi.
3. Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on a wooden plank.
4. Light a diya with desi ghee and decorate the idol with fresh clothes and yellow flower garlands.
5. Chant Lord Vishnu mantras 108 times with devotion.
6. Offer Tulsi leaves during the puja, as worship is considered incomplete without them. However, Tulsi leaves should ideally be plucked a day before Ekadashi.
7. Offer seasonal fruits, dry fruits, and homemade sweets as bhog prasad.
8. Recite the Ekadashi Katha and conclude the puja with aarti.
9. The fast is traditionally broken on Dwadashi Tithi. Some devotees may consume sattvik food in the evening if unable to continue the fast throughout the day.

Lord Vishnu Mantras

These are the following Lord Vishnu mantras that you can chant on this auspicious day:

1. Om Namo Bhagavate Vaaudevaye..!!
2. Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
3. Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janaki Vallabham..!!
4. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!