Ekadashi March 2026 Date: When to observe Papamochani Ekadashi vrat, March 14 or 15? Know date, puja rituals and fasting rules

Papamochani Ekadashi, one of the spiritually significant Ekadashi observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be celebrated on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This sacred fasting day falls between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri and is widely regarded as the last Ekadashi before the Hindu New Year festivals such as Yugadi.

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Devotees across India observe Papamochani Ekadashi with fasting, prayers and devotional practices to seek forgiveness for past sins and to attain spiritual purification.


Read more: When to observe the Papamochani Ekadashi vrat, 14th or 15th March?

When Is Papamochani Ekadashi 2026 and What Are the Ekadashi Timings?

According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi tithi for Papamochani Ekadashi begins on 14 March and continues into the next day. Devotees observing the fast must carefully follow the Ekadashi tithi and Parana timings.

Papamochani Ekadashi 2026 Timings:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 08:10 AM on 14 March 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 09:16 AM on 15 March 2026
• Parana Day: 16 March 2026
• Parana Time: 06:30 AM to 08:54 AM
• Dwadashi End Moment: 09:40 AM

Observing the correct Ekadashi and Parana timings is considered important for completing the fast according to traditional rituals.

Why Is Papamochani Ekadashi Considered an Important Ekadashi?

Papamochani Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to free devotees from sins and negative karma. The word “Papamochani” translates to “the remover of sins,” highlighting the spiritual importance of this Ekadashi.

The Ekadashi occurs during the Krishna Paksha of the Chaitra month in the North Indian calendar and during the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna in the South Indian calendar. Despite the difference in month names, the Ekadashi is observed on the same day across India.

Because it falls just before major festivals marking the beginning of the new Hindu year, Papamochani Ekadashi is considered a spiritually cleansing observance.

What Are the Ekadashi Fasting Rules for Papamochani Ekadashi?

Devotees observing Papamochani Ekadashi follow specific fasting guidelines as part of the ritual.

The Ekadashi fast usually begins at sunrise on the Ekadashi day.

Devotees continue fasting until the Parana on Dwadashi.

The fast should ideally be broken during Pratahkal, the early morning period after sunrise.

Devotees should avoid breaking the fast during Hari Vasara, the first one-fourth of the Dwadashi tithi.

If someone is unable to perform the Parana during the early morning period, it can be completed later in the day but before the Dwadashi tithi ends.

Why Is Ekadashi Fasting Sometimes Observed on Two Consecutive Days?

In some years, Ekadashi fasting may be observed across two consecutive days due to the alignment of the lunar tithi with sunrise timings.

Different groups of devotees follow slightly different Ekadashi fasting traditions:

• Smarthas (householders) usually observe Ekadashi on the first day.
• Sanyasis, widows and seekers of Moksha may observe the fast on the alternate day.
• Some devotees who wish to deepen their devotion to Lord Vishnu may choose to fast on both days.

These variations ensure that devotees can observe Ekadashi in a way that aligns with their spiritual practices.

Is Papamochani Ekadashi Observed Differently in North and South India?

Although Hindu calendars follow different systems in North and South India, Papamochani Ekadashi is typically observed on the same date across the country.

North India follows the Purnimanta calendar, while South India follows the Amanta calendar, which changes the naming of months but does not alter the Ekadashi observance date.

In the Gregorian calendar, Papamochani Ekadashi usually falls in March or April, allowing devotees across India to observe the sacred Ekadashi fast on a single day.

Inputs from agencies