Nirjala
Ekadashi
2026

Nirjala Ekadashi is the most sacred and rigorous fast in Hinduism. It is often called the “King of all Ekadashis,”

Nir means No and Jala means Water, combined it means "No Water". As all Ekadashis involve observing fast (Vrat). Nirjala Ekadashi involves observing the fast without food and without water for 24 hours making it the harshest and the most sacred ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as "Bhimseni Ekadashi" and "Pandava Ekadashi" and "Nirjala Gyaras".

When is Nirjala Ekadashi 2026? Tithi, Date & Timings

This Ekadashi generally falls in the Shukla Paksha of Jyestha month as per the Hindu calendar. According to the western calendar, this falls in the month of may and june. The Nirjala Ekadashi date for 2026 is mentioned below.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Parana Time: June 26, 5:38 AM – 8:43 AM

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 24, 6:12 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 25, 8:09 PM

Why is it called Bhimseni Ekadashi? Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

You will often hear this day called Bhimseni Ekadashi. The name comes from a famous story in the Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas and Draupadi observed every Ekadashi fast with devotion. But the second brother, Bhima, had a very big appetite. No matter how hard he tried, he simply could not control his hunger enough to fast for an entire day.

Seeing his family fast made Bhima feel incredibly guilty. He felt he was disrespecting Lord Vishnu. Desperate for a way to show his devotion, he asked Maharishi Ved Vyasa for help. The sage gave him a solution. He told Bhima to skip the 23 regular fasts and observe just one fast during the month of Jyeshtha. The catch was that he could not consume food or even water. The sage promised that completing this one difficult day would give him the merit of the entire year. Bhima agreed and completed the waterless fast. Since then, this day has been celebrated as Bhimseni Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi - the holiest Vedic celebration of the greatness of Bhagwan Vishnu is rewarding on every level; as Bhagwan Vishnu is an eternal giver and sustainer once he is pleased with the sincere intentions and purity of his devotees. The ancient text has a mention of Shri Krishna explaining to Yudhisthira (Pandava's brother from Mahabharata) about the importance of Nirjala Ekadashi where Bhagwan Krishna has quoted; “Nirjala Ekadashi is greater than all sacrifices or charity to the needy or the sacrifice of horses (Ashvamedha) or even seeing Bhagwan Vishnu Himself”.

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

There is no fixed Puja Vidhi followed by devotees on Nirjala Ekadashi. But you can easily perform the Ekadashi Puja at home by following the below steps -

• Wake up early on Nirjala Ekadashi and take a bath before sunrise. Then, wear fresh, clean clothes, preferably yellow in colour.
• Clean your puja area and place a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu on a wooden seat. Sit facing east or north.
• Take a few drops of water in your right hand. Close your eyes and make a quiet vow (Sankalpa) to complete the fast sincerely.
• Light a ghee lamp and incense. Offer yellow flowers, yellow fruits, and sweets to the deity.
• Most importantly, offer fresh Tulsi leaves. A Vishnu puja is incomplete without Tulsi.
• Sit quietly and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 108 times using a mala. You can also listen to Vishnu mantras on AstroSure.ai and chant along.
• Finally, complete your morning prayers and read or listen to the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• After puja, offer prayers to Tulsi plant. This is considered sacred on Nirjala Ekadashi
• Observe the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi.
• In the evening, perform the Vishnu aarti to conclude the puja
• After the sunset next day (dwadashi), break your fast by consuming the simple meal. First offer food to Lord Vishnu and then partake the prasad.

Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting Rules

To get the maximum benefits of fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi devotees should adhere to the rules strictly. But, some devotees may not be able to observe waterless Nirjala Ekadashi due to health conditions or other reasons; therefore, such devotees must at least know and practice some Do’s and Don’t of Ekadashi fasting rules, which applies to all Ekadashis as well.

• On every Ekadashi, beans and grains are prohibited to eat.
• Do not hurt any animal.
• The devotee keeping fast should not indulge in fights or arguments and should not meet or interact with any cheats, frauds, or people involved in any nefarious activity. The scriptures even say that if by chance the devotee comes into the proximity with such a person should purify him/herself by standing under the sun and looking directly at it
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees should not eat in another person's house. Also, they have only one meal which excludes honey and urad-dal (black lentil), eat on bell metal plate or cutlery, and should not massage oil on the body.
• In Kashi (Varanasi), the Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated with a special ceremony, which includes Kalash Yatra from the Ganga Ghat to Kashi Vishwanath temple.

What not to eat on Nirjala Ekadashi

During Nirjala Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Nirjala Ekadashi Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

On Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees observe a strict fast without consuming food or water.

However, due to busy schedules in the modern life and health condition, not everyone can observe the strict Nirjala Ekadashi fast. But no worries, the important thing is the purity of the soul and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Devotees can still observe the phalahar fast.

Here's what you can eat if you are not observing the strict Nirjala Ekadashi fast -

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits (melons, watermelons, mangoes etc.)
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

What to donate on Nirjala Ekadashi 2026

Donation on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and commendable. Here are some suggested items to donate on this sacred day:

Food Items

• Rice, wheat, and other grains.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Cooked meals to the needy and hungry.

Clothes

• New clothes for the poor and underprivileged.
• Warm clothes, blankets, and shawls, especially in cold areas

Charity

• Financial donations to temples, charitable organisations, or directly to those in need.
• Supporting the education of underprivileged children by donating to schools or educational charities.
• Donating to shelters for the homeless or animal shelters.
• Contributing to the construction of schools, hospitals, and community centres.
• Donating to goshala (cow shelters) or animal welfare organisations.

Religious Items

• Items used in worship like incense sticks, diyas (lamps).

Benefits of observing Nirjala Ekadashi

• Most devotees experience spiritual growth, find solutions to long-standing problems and receive support to grow materially as well as spiritually.
• Blessings of Bhagwan Vishnu
• Good Health
• Mental and Spiritual peace
• Attainment of Moksha (Moksha Prapti)
• Freedom from past sins
• Prosperity in life