In February 2026, there are two Ekadashis: Vijaya Ekadashi and Amalaki Ekadashi. This article provides deep, accurate details on their dates, timings based on New Delhi (IST), significance, rituals, and more, ensuring you have all the information needed for a fulfilling observance.
This page provides a detailed, calendar-accurate schedule for Ekadashi observances occurring in February 2026, including tithi start/end, fasting/parana windows, traditional ritual timing, and answers to common questions for practitioners and planners.
Ekadashi Dates in February 2026
In the Hindu lunar calendar, Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of both the waning (Krishna Paksha) and waxing (Shukla Paksha) moon phases. In February 2026, there are two Ekadashi fasts:
- Vijaya Ekadashi — Friday, 13 February 2026 (Krishna Paksha Ekadashi)
- Amalaki Ekadashi — Friday, 27 February 2026 (Shukla Paksha Ekadashi)
Overview | February 2026 Ekadashi Dates | Tithi Timings & Parana | Spiritual Significance | Rituals & Fasting Rules | FAQ
Tithi Timings & Parana Windows
Exact tithi durations (start and end) determine when fasting (upavasa) is observed and when the fast is broken (parana). All times are local standard approximations (location will affect specific panchang timings):
Vijaya Ekadashi (Krishna Paksha, Phalguna Month)
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Tithi Begins: 12:22 PM on February 12, 2026
- Tithi Ends: 02:25 PM on February 13, 2026
- Parana Time (Breaking the Fast): 07:00 AM to 09:14 AM on February 14, 2026
The fast begins at sunrise on February 13 and is broken during the parana window on February 14.
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Amalaki Ekadashi (Shukla Paksha, Phalguna Month)
- Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
- Tithi Begins: 12:33 AM on February 27, 2026
- Tithi Ends: 10:32 PM on February 27, 2026
- Parana Time (Breaking the Fast): 06:47 AM to 09:06 AM on February 28, 2026
For Amalaki Ekadashi, the fast is observed from sunrise on February 27, with parana on February 28 after the Hari Vasara period.
Spiritual & Symbolic Significance
Vijaya Ekadashi is traditionally associated with victory over obstacles and success in auspicious undertakings, rooted in scriptural references to Lord Vishnu’s protection of devotees. Observers often seek spiritual discipline and freedom from karmic impediments.
Amalaki Ekadashi is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu with special reverence to the amla (gooseberry) tree, believed to purify the devotee’s mind, body and grant prosperity when worship and fasting are observed sincerely.
Ritual Sequence & Fasting Guidelines
Standard Ekadashi fasting practices observed across many traditions include:
- Wake early, take a purificatory bath before sunrise.
- Observe a strict fast, often abstaining from grains, beans and cereals; water or fruits may be taken according to personal capacity.
- Chant Vishnu names (e.g., Vishnu Sahasranama), perform puja with mantra, incense and offerings to Vishnu or Krishna.
- Break the fast on Dwadashi morning during the prescribed parana window after sunrise; consult local panchang for exact timings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is Ekadashi?
- Ekadashi is the 11th day (tithi) of the lunar fortnight, observed twice each lunar month — once during waning (Krishna Paksha) and once during waxing (Shukla Paksha) phases. Devotees fast and pray to Lord Vishnu on this day.
- 2. Why are there two Ekadashis in February 2026?
- The lunar calendar positions the 11th tithi twice in February: once in each paksha (waning and waxing), yielding Vijaya (13 Feb) and Amalaki (27 Feb) Ekadashi.
- 3. When should the fast start?
- Fasting typically begins after sunrise on the day preceding Ekadashi or at the tithi start according to the panchang; follow local calendar timings precisely.
- 4. What is the parana time?
- Parana is the window on the next day (Dwadashi) morning when the fast is broken, often after sunrise but before the end of brahma muhurta or prescribed panchang slot.
- 5. Can I eat fruits during Ekadashi?
- Many traditions allow fruits, milk and water during fast; strict observers avoid all food till parana. Consult your guru or local custom.
- 6. Do Ekadashi dates vary by location?
- Yes — due to lunar tithi boundaries and sunrise differences, tithi start and end times vary by geographical location.
- 7. Is Ekadashi fasting mandatory?
- It is a devotional practice followed voluntarily; some observe partial fasts based on health and capability.
- 8. What are common Ekadashi rituals?
- Bathing early, chanting Vishnu mantras, reading scriptures, and offering tulsi leaves, fruits, and incense are common practices.
- 9. What is the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi?
- It is believed to confer success over adversities and is associated with spiritual victory and discipline.
- 10. Why is Amalaki Ekadashi special?
- This Ekadashi venerates the amla tree and is believed to enhance prosperity and remove sins when observed with devotion.
- 11. Can I break the fast at night?
- Traditional rule is to wait until Dwadashi morning within the parana window, but local practices vary.
- 12. Are Ekadashi dates published in hindu calendars?
- Yes — panchangs, temple calendars, and trusted online Hindu calendar sources provide precise tithi dates and timings for planning.