Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date: When is Nirjala Ekadashi? Why is it eagerly awaited throughout the entire year?

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date: The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed on the *Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi* Tithi (the eleventh day of the waxing moon phase in the month of Jyeshtha). Among all Ekadashi fasts, this is considered the most meritorious and fruitful; consequently, people eagerly await this particular fast throughout the entire year. You can gauge the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi from the fact that among the five Pandavas, Bhimasena—who could not tolerate hunger and could not go a single day without eating—nonetheless observed the extremely rigorous Nirjala Ekadashi fast. The spiritual merit one gains by observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast just once is equivalent to the merit obtained by observing all the other Ekadashi fasts throughout the entire year. Let us explore: When is Nirjala Ekadashi? What are the auspicious timings (*Muhurat*) and significance of Nirjala Ekadashi? What is the *Parana* (fast-breaking) time for Nirjala Ekadashi?

Why is Nirjala Ekadashi Difficult?
As the very name "Nirjala Ekadashi" suggests, this is an Ekadashi fast observed *without water* (*Nir-jala*). During the Nirjala Ekadashi fast, one does not consume even a drop of water. One must abstain from all food, including grains and fruits. The fast requires one to remain without water for the entire duration of the Ekadashi Tithi. This fast is observed from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi until sunrise on the following day. Furthermore, since this fast falls during the peak of the scorching summer season, it becomes particularly arduous to observe.

The Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

For those who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast, all their sins are absolved. They receive the divine grace of Lord Vishnu, which ultimately leads to the attainment of *Moksha* (salvation) after death. A person who observes the Nirjala Ekadashi fast reaps the cumulative spiritual benefits of observing all the Ekadashi fasts throughout the entire year in a single instance. For this very reason, people eagerly look forward to the Nirjala Ekadashi fast throughout the year.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date

According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi* Tithi—which is essential for observing Nirjala Ekadashi—will commence on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:12 PM. This specific date remains valid until 8:09 PM on Thursday, March 25th. Consequently, based on the *Udayatithi* (the date prevailing at sunrise), the Nirjala Ekadashi fast falls on June 25th.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)

The most auspicious and excellent time (*Muhurat*) for Nirjala Ekadashi is from 5:25 AM to 7:10 AM. You may perform the Ekadashi worship during this period. On that day, the *Brahma Muhurat* will last from 4:05 AM to 4:45 AM, while the *Abhijit Muhurat* will extend from 11:56 AM to 12:52 PM.
On Nirjala Ekadashi, the worship of Lord Vishnu will be performed during the *Ravi Yoga*. On this day, the *Ravi Yoga* will commence at 5:25 AM and continue until 4:29 PM.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time

Those observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast on June 25th may perform the *Parana* (breaking of the fast) on June 26th, between 5:25 AM and 8:13 AM. On that day, the *Dwadashi Tithi* (the twelfth lunar day) will conclude at 10:22 PM.

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