Ekadashi Fasting Calendar 2025–2026: All Dates, Timings, Rules & Benefits

According to scriptures like the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu granted a boon stating that observing the Ekadashi fast sincerely can help devotees attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The day is associated with the goddess Ekadashi Devi, who emerged from Lord Vishnu to defeat the demon Mura. The fast is thus a celebration of the triumph of divine energy over negative forces.

The word “Ekadashi” itself is sometimes interpreted as a symbol for controlling the eleven indriyas (senses): the ten organs of perception and action, plus the mind. It is believed that the lunar cycle, particularly the 11th day, has a subtle influence on the mind and body’s fluids. Fasting on this day is thought to help balance these effects and increase mental clarity and focus, making it easier for meditation and spiritual contemplation.

Complete Ekadashi Calendar: Dec 2025 – Dec 2026

Mark your calendar with these scientifically aligned fasting days. Each corresponds to the optimal 120°-132° or 300°-312° lunar elongation window.

Month Day Date Ekadashi Name Paksha Lunar Phase (Angle)
December 2025 Monday December 1, 2025 Mokshada Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
December 2025 Monday December 15, 2025 Saphala Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
December 2025 Wednesday December 31, 2025 Pausha Putrada Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
January 2026 Wednesday January 14, 2026 Shattila Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
January 2026 Thursday January 29, 2026 Jaya Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
February 2026 Friday February 13, 2026 Vijaya Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
February 2026 Friday February 27, 2026 Amalaki Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
March 2026 Sunday March 15, 2026 Papamochani Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
March 2026 Sunday March 29, 2026 Kamada Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
April 2026 Monday April 13, 2026 Varuthini Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
April 2026 Monday April 27, 2026 Mohini Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
May 2026 Wednesday May 13, 2026 Apara Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
May 2026 Wednesday May 27, 2026 Padmini Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
June 2026 Thursday June 11, 2026 Parama Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
June 2026 Thursday June 25, 2026 Nirjala Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
July 2026 Friday July 10, 2026 Yogini Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
July 2026 Saturday July 25, 2026 Devshayani Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
August 2026 Sunday August 9, 2026 Kamika Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
August 2026 Sunday August 23, 2026 Shravana Putrada Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
September 2026 Monday September 7, 2026 Aja Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
September 2026 Tuesday September 22, 2026 Parsva Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
October 2026 Tuesday October 6, 2026 Indira Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
October 2026 Thursday October 22, 2026 Papankusha Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
November 2026 Thursday November 5, 2026 Rama Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
November 2026 Friday November 20, 2026 Devutthana Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°
December 2026 Sunday December 6, 2026 Utpanna Ekadashi Krishna Waning Moon
300°-312°
December 2026 Sunday December 20, 2026 Mokshada Ekadashi / Vaikuntha Ekadashi Shukla Waxing Moon
120°-132°

📅 Calendar Legend:

Shukla = Waxing Moon Phase (Bright Fortnight)
Krishna = Waning Moon Phase (Dark Fortnight)
120°-132° = Optimal fasting window for Shukla Paksha
300°-312° = Optimal fasting window for Krishna Paksha

The Science Behind Ekadashi: Lunar Elongation

The “Scientific” in Scientific Ekadashi refers to the precise astronomical timing. Each lunar day (Tithi) represents a 12° increase in the Moon’s angular distance from the Sun.

The Optimal Fasting Window: Research suggests the most beneficial period occurs during these specific elongation ranges:

  • Waxing Moon (Shukla Paksha): 120° to 132°
  • Waning Moon (Krishna Paksha): 300° to 312°

During this specific lunar position, Earth experiences the lowest influence of atmospheric pressure of the lunar cycle. Fasting during this low-pressure window minimizes digestive strain while maximizing cellular repair processes like autophagy.

Vedic Traditions & Spiritual Significance

In Hindu tradition, Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. The fast originates from the Padma Purana, where Ekadashi personified emerged to defeat the demon Mura.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Ekadashi:

  1. Spiritual Purification: Believed to cleanse past karma and accumulate spiritual merit (Punya)
  2. Path to Liberation: Aids in progressing toward Moksha (spiritual liberation)
  3. Mental Discipline: Strengthens willpower and focuses the mind on spiritual practice

Each Ekadashi has a unique name and legend, like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi (waterless fast) for ultimate penance, or Mokshada Ekadashi believed to grant liberation.

Ekadashi Fasting Rules

To maximize benefits, follow these evidence-based guidelines that align with the body’s natural rhythms during low lunar pressure periods.

🚫 Foods to AVOID (Grains & Heavy Substances):

  • All grains: Rice, wheat, oats, corn, etc.
  • Pulses & legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas
  • Specific spices: Asafoetida, turmeric, mustard seeds
  • Regular salt: Use rock salt (Sendha Namak) instead
  • Honey (in some traditions)

✅ Foods PERMITTED (Sattvic/Nourishing):

  • Fruits & vegetables: All fruits, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bottle gourd
  • Nuts & seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins
  • Dairy: Milk, yogurt, paneer (in moderation)
  • Fasting flours: Buckwheat (Kuttu), water chestnut (Singhara), tapioca (Sabudana)

Breaking the Fast (Parana): Break your fast on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day) during the prescribed morning window. Traditional breaking foods like amla (Indian gooseberry) offer additional cleansing benefits.

Holistic Health Benefits of Lunar-Aligned Fasting

Fasting during the optimal lunar elongation window provides synergistic benefits for body, mind, and spirit:

  • Autophagy Activation: Triggers cellular self-cleaning (2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine recognized autophagy research)
  • Digestive System Reset: Gives your GI tract a complete rest, improving gut health and efficiency
  • Mental Clarity Boost: Redirects energy from digestion to cognitive functions, enhancing focus and awareness
  • Lunar Rhythm Synchronization: Aligns your body’s cycles with natural gravitational patterns
  • Metabolic Flexibility: Trains your body to efficiently switch between fuel sources (carbs to fats)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between “Traditional” and “Scientific” Ekadashi?

A: The date is generally the same. The “scientific” designation emphasizes the precise 120°-132° elongation window when fasting is most effective. Traditional calendars use sunrise calculations, which sometimes shift the observance by a day.

Q: Why the 300°–312° range for waning moon?

A: The lunar cycle is 360°. The waning phase equivalent to the waxing 120°–132° window is 300°–312° (360° – 60°). This maintains the same 5-tithi distance from the New Moon as the waxing phase has from the Full Moon.

Q: Who should avoid strict Ekadashi fasting?

A: Pregnant/nursing women, children, elderly individuals, and those with medical conditions (diabetes, hypotension, kidney issues) should consult a doctor. They can observe a modified fast with permitted foods instead.

Q: Can I drink water during Ekadashi fast?

A: Yes, unless you’re observing Nirjala Ekadashi (the waterless fast). Hydration is generally encouraged. Herbal teas and coconut water are also permissible in most traditions.

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