Ekadashi October 2026 date: Is Papankusha Ekadashi today or on October 22? Check parana timings, shubh muhurat & vrat katha

Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu fasting day falls on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. Devotees observe a fast, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for spiritual growth and well-being. According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi Tithi will begin on October 21 and end on October 22. Devotees observing the vrat should also note the Parana timings, as the fast is traditionally broken on the following day, Dwadashi.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 date and Tithi timings

Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on October 22, 2026. The important timings for the vrat are as follows:

• Papankusha Ekadashi: Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi begins: 2:11 pm on October 21, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi ends: 2:47 pm on October 22, 2026

The observance falls on October 22, even though the Ekadashi Tithi begins on the previous afternoon. Hindu festival dates are determined according to the relevant lunar calendar rules.


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Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 Parana time

Parana refers to breaking the Ekadashi fast. It is generally performed after sunrise on the day following the vrat, during the Dwadashi Tithi.

For Papankusha Ekadashi in 2026, the Parana timings are:

• Parana date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Parana time: 6:27 am to 8:42 am
• Dwadashi Tithi ends: 2:35 pm on October 23, 2026

Devotees should aim to break the fast within the prescribed Parana window, while following their family or regional traditions where applicable.

Hari Vasara during Ekadashi Parana

Hari Vasara is the first quarter of the Dwadashi Tithi. According to traditional Ekadashi observance rules, devotees should wait for Hari Vasara to end before breaking their fast.

The preferred time for Parana is generally during the morning period after sunrise. Breaking the fast during Madhyahna, or midday, is usually avoided when an appropriate morning window is available. If the morning period cannot be observed for a valid reason, devotees may follow the applicable guidance for their tradition.

Completing Parana within Dwadashi is considered important in traditional fasting practices. If Dwadashi ends before sunrise, the rules for breaking the fast may differ.

Papankusha Ekadashi vrat significance

Papankusha Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is associated with devotion, self-discipline and spiritual merit. The name is commonly interpreted in relation to restraining or overcoming sins through religious observance.

Devotees mark the day by offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, reciting devotional texts and observing a fast according to their capacity and beliefs. Some abstain from grains and certain foods, while others observe a stricter fast. Practices may vary across regions and families.

The observance is also associated with seeking divine blessings, peace and progress on the spiritual path.

Who should observe Papankusha Ekadashi vrat?

Ekadashi fasting traditions distinguish between different groups of devotees. In some traditions, householders who follow Smartha practices are advised to observe the fast on the first prescribed Ekadashi day. The alternate observance is generally associated with Vaishnava traditions and may also be recommended for ascetics, widows and those seeking spiritual liberation.

Devotees with a strong commitment to Lord Vishnu may choose to observe fasting on both days in traditions where this practice is prescribed. However, the appropriate observance depends on the applicable calendar, religious tradition and individual circumstances.

Those who are unwell, elderly, pregnant or taking medication should avoid a strict fast if it could affect their health.

How devotees observe Papankusha Ekadashi

Devotees typically begin the day with a morning bath and prayers, followed by worship of Lord Vishnu. Many recite Vishnu mantras, read religious scriptures or visit a temple. Some observe a full fast, while others follow a fruit-based or otherwise restricted diet.

The fast is completed through Parana on Dwadashi, within the prescribed time. As fasting rules and local timings can vary, devotees may consult their regional Panchang or family tradition for guidance.