Ekadashi October 2026 — Both Pakshas
అక్టోబర్ 2026 ఏకాదశి తేదీలు — శుక్ల + కృష్ణ పక్షం
Papankusha Ekadashi 25 Sep (Friday) · Rama Ekadashi 9 Oct (Friday)
Ekadashi in October 2026 has two observances: Papankusha Ekadashi (పాపాంకుశ ఏకాదశి) on Friday, 25 September 2026 — "Papa-Ankusha" — literally "elephant goad of sin-removal". Rama Ekadashi (రమా ఏకాదశి) on Friday, 9 October 2026 — Falls 1-2 days before Diwali. Both observed with Ekadashi vrat (Nirjala / Phalahara / Eka-bhukta), Vishnu worship, and parana on Dwadashi morning.
Both Ekadashis of October 2026
| Ekadashi | Date | Tithi Begins (IST) | Tithi Ends (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papankusha Ekadashi Shukla Paksha · Ashwija Shudda Ekadashi | Friday 25 September 2026 | 2026-09-24 17:55 | 2026-09-25 19:42 |
| Rama Ekadashi Krishna Paksha · Ashwija Bahula Ekadashi | Friday 9 October 2026 | 2026-10-08 15:50 | 2026-10-09 15:18 |
All timings computed using Lahiri Ayanamsa Swiss Ephemeris for Hyderabad (17.385°N, 78.486°E). For exact local timings in other cities use our Today's Panchangam tool.
Papankusha Ekadashi — Friday 25 Sep
Alternative names: Pashankusha Ekadashi
"Papa-Ankusha" — literally "elephant goad of sin-removal". Observing this Ekadashi protects from sins of a lifetime. Recommended Vishnu Sahasranama and Padma Purana recitation.
Rama Ekadashi — Friday 9 Oct
Alternative names: Rambha Ekadashi · Pre-Diwali Ekadashi
Falls 1-2 days before Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi (Rama) is invoked along with Vishnu. Considered a wealth-attracting Ekadashi. Begin Diwali cleaning and preparations.
How to Observe Ekadashi Vrat
- Dashami evening (day before): Take only one satvik meal. Avoid rice, lentils, and onion/garlic. Sleep with intention to fast.
- Ekadashi pre-dawn (Brahma Muhurtam): Bathe, wear clean cotton/silk. Sankalpa stating which Ekadashi vrat type (Nirjala/Phalahara/Eka-bhukta).
- Vishnu puja: Tulsi leaves, white/yellow flowers, milk-honey abhishekam if Saligramam present. Vishnu Sahasranama recitation.
- Fast through the day: No grains. Permitted (if Phalahara): fruits, milk, sabudana, sweet potato, raw banana, ghee. Drink water unless Nirjala observance.
- Night vigil (Jagaran): Stay awake reading Padma Purana / Bhagavatam / Vishnu Sahasranama. Especially for serious practitioners.
- Parana (Dwadashi morning): Wake before sunrise. After sunrise, perform short Vishnu puja. Take Tulsi tirtha first. Then a light satvik meal — typically pulihora, kheer, or rice. Break the fast within the parana muhurta window (first 1-2 hours of Dwadashi after sunrise).
Recommended Vishnu Mantra (Ekadashi Day)
Vishnu Ashtakshara Mantra — 108 times
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Telugu: ఓం నమో భగవతే వాసుదేవాయ
Transliteration: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
All Ekadashis 2026 — Quick Reference
| Month | Shukla Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
|---|---|---|
| June | Nirjala Ekadashi · 30 May | Yogini Ekadashi · 14 Jun |
| July | Devshayani Ekadashi · 28 Jun | Kamika Ekadashi · 13 Jul |
| August | Putrada Ekadashi (Shravana) · 28 Jul | Aja Ekadashi · 11 Aug |
| September | Parsva Ekadashi · 26 Aug | Indira Ekadashi · 9 Sep |
| October ✓ | Papankusha Ekadashi · 25 Sep | Rama Ekadashi · 9 Oct |
| November | Devuthani Ekadashi · 24 Oct | Utpanna Ekadashi · 7 Nov |
| December | Mokshada Ekadashi · 22 Nov | Saphala Ekadashi · 6 Dec |