Rama
Ekadashi
2026

Rama Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious and significant days of the year. It occurs during Krishna Paksha on the 11th day of the Kartik month. There are many other names for this Ekadashi, including Rambha Ekadashi, Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, etc. Additionally, this festival is observed 4 days before Diwali.

When is Rama Ekadashi in 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

This year,2026, this festival will be observed on: 5 November, 2026

Tithi Beginning: On November 4, 2026, at 11:03 AM.

Tithi Ends: On November 5, 2026, at 10:35 AM.

The prana timing: 06:37 AM - 8:48 AM on November 6.

Significance of Rama Ekadashi

The greatness of Rama Ekadashi is described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.

• Wealth & Prosperity: Since it is named after Goddess Lakshmi, it is an excellent day to pray for financial stability before Diwali.
• Sin Removal: It is said that the merit of this fast is greater than performing 1,000 Ashwamedha Yajnas.
• Moksha: It liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death.

Rama Ekadashi Vrat & Puja Vidhi

Day Before Ekadashi

• Devotees consume only one meal and perform prayers for deceased forefathers.
• Devotees should sleep on the floor that night

On Rama Ekadashi

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean white or yellow clothes
• Read Rama Ekadashi katha
• Recite the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” repeatedly. Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama or listening to the vrat story deepens concentration on the Divine.
• Perform special prayers acknowledging divine turning
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.

Breaking the Fast (Dwadashi)

• Break fast after sunrise on Dwadashi
• Offer prayers for positive life changes
• Feed Brahmins and distribute food
• Donate items representing transformation (new clothes, books)

Significance of Rama Ekadashi

According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Krishna states that the merit of this Ekadashi equals performing **100 Surya Yajnas** or **1,000 Ashwamedha Yajnas**.

It grants the devotee:

• Get rid of every sin
• Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Good health, wealth, and a virtuous spouse.

Rama Ekadashi Ekadashi Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day is on Dvadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) been not to be consumed, eating on Bell metal plate or cutlery is prohibited and should not massage oil on the body.

What not to eat on Rama Ekadashi

During Rama 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 Rama Ekadashi Fast?

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

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Rama Ekadashi fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

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

Benefits of Rama Ekadashi

Rama Ekadashi Vrat, when observed with sincerity and devotion, dissolves sins of the devotee.

Observing Rama Vrat helps to remove Pitru Dosha. The ancestors of the devotee bless him/her, and they progress to a higher realm.

Observing Rama Vrat and other Ekadashi Vrat ensures Moksha and a place at the Lotus feet of Bhagwan Vishnu.

Rama Vrat helps to fulfill material and spiritual desires of the devotee.

Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once upon a time, there was a king named Muchukunda. He had a daughter named Chandrabhaga. The princess was married to the son of King Chandrasen, Prince Shobana. It was King Muchukunda's custom to fast on Rama Ekadashi as a devotee of Lord Vishnu. In addition to this, he was also a very kind ruler. Moreover, Chandrabhaga observed Rama Ekadashi's fasts since her childhood, just like her father.

Coincidentally, Prince Shobana visited his brother-in-law on the day of Ekadashi. As a result of which he decided to keep a fast on that day. However, he was unable to observe fast due to his poor health condition. Since it was compulsory for the entire kingdom to observe a fast on that day, his wife Chandrabhaga asked him to move out of the place. But Shobana refused to leave and observed the fast. As a result of this, his health began to deteriorate and he eventually died. However, the prince’s afterlife was quite beautiful as a result of the fast. He was given a kingdom but it was invisible to anyone because he forcefully kept the fast. Later he started facing a lot of problems. One day, one of the brahmins from the Muchukunda’s kingdom saw his invisible kingdom. It was then that the prince shared all his problems with the Brahmin and requested him to tell all his problems to his wife. The Brahmin did what he was told to. After knowing all the issues she prayed to the Lord Vishnu. Chandrabagha was able to make his kingdom visible since she was the true and biggest devotee of God. After this, both of them lived a peaceful and blissful life.