Ekadashi: Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha, significance, correct date and timings

Sawan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 is being observed today, August 23, but devotees may also see August 24 listed as the festival date in some calendars. The difference is linked to the traditions followed for calculating the Ekadashi fasting day.

For devotees following the standard or Smarta calendar, the Putrada Ekadashi vrat falls on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Vaishnava devotees, however, will observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on Monday, August 24.

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The Ekadashi Tithi begins early on August 23 and continues until August 24. Here is everything you need to know about the Sawan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 date, Tithi, fasting rules, parana timing and Vrat Katha.

Sawan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 date: August 23 or 24?

Sawan Putrada Ekadashi, also known as Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Shravan month. The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally observed with fasting and prayers.

In 2026, devotees following the regular or Smarta calendar are observing the vrat today, Sunday, August 23.

As per Drik Panchang,

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 06:30 AM on Aug 23, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:48 AM on Aug 24, 2026

The appearance of August 24 in some calendars is because Vaishnava devotees follow a different calculation for the fasting day. They will observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on Monday, August 24.

The exact parana timing can differ depending on the location. Devotees are therefore advised to check their local Panchang before breaking the fast.

Why is Putrada Ekadashi on August 24 for some devotees?

The date difference is primarily due to the observance followed by devotees.

While the Smarta Putrada Ekadashi vrat is on August 23, Vaishnava devotees will observe Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on August 24.

For most devotees following the standard calendar, August 23 is the Putrada Ekadashi fasting date.

What is the significance of Sawan Putrada Ekadashi?

Putrada Ekadashi is traditionally associated with Lord Vishnu and is believed by devotees to fulfil wishes related to children and family well-being.

The name Putrada is derived from Sanskrit and is commonly interpreted as "giver of sons". Devotees observe the fast, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and listen to or recite the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

The festival is also associated with spiritual purification, devotion and seeking divine blessings.

Sawan Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the traditional Vrat Katha, King Mahajita ruled the city of Mahishmati. Despite being a righteous and respected ruler, he was unhappy because he had no children.

The king had tried various ways to have a child but remained unsuccessful. His ministers were also worried about his sorrow and eventually went into a forest in search of a sage who could explain the reason behind his difficulties.

There, they met the revered sage Lomasha and asked him why the virtuous king remained childless.

After contemplating the king's previous life, the sage explained that Mahajita had committed a wrongful act in an earlier birth. According to the story, he had once driven away a thirsty cow from a reservoir so that he could drink its water.

The sage said that although the king had gained the position of a ruler because of the merit of an earlier Ekadashi fast, the act against the cow had resulted in his childlessness.

How Putrada Ekadashi fast helped King Mahajita

The ministers asked the sage how the king could overcome the consequences of his past actions.

Sage Lomasha advised them to observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month and dedicate the spiritual merit of their observance to the king.

Following the sage's advice, the ministers and other people observed the fast and dedicated its merit to Mahajita on Dwadashi.

According to the story, the queen subsequently conceived and gave birth to a son after nine months.

This is why the Ekadashi came to be known as Putrada Ekadashi, the story says. Devotees traditionally believe that observing the vrat with devotion can bring blessings, happiness and fulfilment of wishes.

Putrada Ekadashi 2026: What devotees should remember

For devotees following the regular Smarta calendar, Sawan Putrada Ekadashi is today, August 23, 2026. The Ekadashi Tithi continues until the early hours of August 24, while the Vaishnava observance falls on August 24.

Those observing the fast should follow their family tradition or local Panchang for the exact fasting and parana timings, particularly because timings can vary by location.

The festival is traditionally marked by prayers to Lord Vishnu, fasting, devotional activities and listening to the Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.


Disclaimer: This article is based on traditional Hindu beliefs, scriptures and Panchang calculations. The rituals, significance and Vrat Katha mentioned here are based on religious traditions and may vary across regions and communities. Readers are advised to follow the customs and guidance traditionally observed in their family or region.