Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time: Everything devotees need to know before fasting

What makes Nirjala Ekadashi unique is its rigorous fasting practice. Devotees traditionally abstain from both food and water from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi.

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New Delhi: Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most sacred and spiritually rewarding fasts in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi and is observed with strict devotion and austerity. According to Hindu beliefs, observing Nirjala Ekadashi with sincerity is believed to bestow the spiritual merit equivalent to all 24 Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year.

What makes Nirjala Ekadashi unique is its rigorous fasting practice. Devotees traditionally abstain from both food and water from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi. The day is devoted to worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting prayers, performing charitable acts, and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, longevity, and spiritual progress.

Religious scriptures associate this vrat with Bhimsen, one of the Pandava brothers, who is believed to have observed this fast to gain the benefits of all Ekadashis. In 2026, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 25.

• Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Date and Tithi Timings
• Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: June 25, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 6:12 PM, June 24, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 8:09 PM, June 25, 2026
• Parana (Fast Breaking) Time: 5:25 AM to 8:13 AM, June 26, 2026
• Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 10:22 PM, June 26, 2026

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi (Rituals)

• Wake up early and take a bath, preferably by adding a few drops of Ganga Jal to the water.
• Wear clean clothes and take a pledge to observe the Nirjala fast.
• Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with devotion.
• Place a Kalash filled with water, betel nut, akshat, a coin, and mango leaves near the deity.
• Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood, incense, diya, Tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu.
• Present Panchamrit as bhog and recite Vishnu mantras or Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Observe the fast throughout the day with complete devotion.
• Donate grains, water-filled pots, umbrellas, clothes, fruits, or other essentials to the needy.
• Stay awake during the night in prayer and spiritual activities.

Break the fast on Dwadashi after completing the prescribed rituals and offering food to Brahmins or the underprivileged.

Important Rules for Nirjala Ekadashi

• Traditionally, devotees refrain from consuming both food and water during the fast.
• Those with health concerns may drink water if necessary.
• Maintain purity in thoughts, words, and actions throughout the day.
• Avoid anger, negative behavior, and worldly distractions.
• Charity and service to the needy are considered highly auspicious on this day.

Spiritual Significance

Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to cleanse devotees of sins, bring divine blessings, and help attain spiritual upliftment. Hindu scriptures state that observing this vrat with faith and discipline can grant the benefits of all Ekadashi fasts, making it one of the most important observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu.