Indira Ekadashi 2026

* Exact parana time varies by location and sunrise. Check your local panchang for the correct fast-breaking time.

Last updated: October 4, 2026

Indira Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha (waning fortnight) of the Ashwin month. It is traditionally associated with prayers for the liberation, peace, and well-being of ancestors. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu, observe the fast, chant divine names, and perform prayers or religious acts for their ancestors.

The significance of Indira Ekadashi is traditionally connected with reverence for ancestors, faith, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Observances include fasting, Vishnu worship, listening to the Ekadashi vrat katha, and charity according to one’s ability.

The Story of Indira Ekadashi

King Indrasena and Devotion to Lord Vishnu

The traditional story of Indira Ekadashi is associated with King Indrasena. He is described as a righteous ruler and devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day, Devarshi Narada visited his kingdom and delivered an important spiritual message.

News of His Father’s Suffering

According to the traditional story, Narada told the king that his father was suffering in Pitrloka because of his past deeds. The king asked how he could help his father attain liberation. Narada then advised him to sincerely observe Indira Ekadashi in the Ashwin Krishna Paksha and worship Lord Vishnu.

Observing the Indira Ekadashi Fast

King Indrasena observed the Ekadashi fast according to the prescribed tradition. He worshipped Lord Vishnu, listened to the vrat katha, and performed religious acts for the welfare of his ancestors. On Dwadashi, he properly broke the fast and performed charity.

Liberation of the Ancestors

The story describes King Indrasena’s father being freed from suffering in Pitrloka through the observance of Indira Ekadashi and the grace of Lord Vishnu. This is why the Ekadashi is traditionally associated with prayers for the welfare and liberation of ancestors.

Message of the Story

The story of Indira Ekadashi emphasizes faith, duty, remembrance of ancestors, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Traditionally, fasting, worship, listening to the story, chanting divine names, and charity according to one’s ability are considered sacred observances.

Indira Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

1. Take a bath in the morning, wear clean clothes, and make a sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast before Lord Vishnu.
2. Clean the worship area and place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, naivedya, and other suitable worship materials to Lord Vishnu according to your tradition and ability.
4. Worship Lord Vishnu with incense, a lamp, offerings, and aarti.
5. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” Chant the mantra and remember Lord Vishnu.
6. Read or listen to the Indira Ekadashi vrat katha and pray for the welfare of your ancestors.
7. Depending on your ability and tradition, observe a waterless, water-only, or fruit-based fast. Choose a fasting method appropriate for your personal health and capacity.
8. On Dwadashi, break the fast at the parana time given by your local panchang and give charity according to your ability.

Date & Time (2026)

The exact parana time depends on the city’s sunrise and local panchang. Check the panchang for your location before breaking the fast.

Indira Ekadashi 2026 Timings in 30+ Countries

The table below converts the reference Indian tithi timings used on this page — October 6, 2026 at 2:07 AM IST to October 7, 2026 at 12:34 AM IST — into local civil time for major cities. These are tithi start/end conversions, not a replacement for the local fasting-day or parana calculation.

Reference basis: 2:07 AM IST on October 6 and 12:34 AM IST on October 7, 2026. Local timings above are time-zone conversions of those reference instants. They should not be treated as city-specific sunrise-based parana timings.

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