Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Key Dates and Significance Explained

Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026 has sparked confusion regarding its date, with many wondering if it falls on May 27th or June 25th. This article clarifies that the fast will be observed on June 25th, following the *Shukla Paksha* of the *Jyeshtha Adhikmas*. It also highlights the auspicious timings for worship and the significance of this important day in Hindu tradition, where fasting is believed to absolve sins and grant spiritual merit equivalent to observing all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Read on to learn more about the rituals and timings associated with this sacred occasion.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 15:20 IST

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date: According to the Hindu calendar, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi (lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of *Jyeshtha*. However, this year, there has been significant confusion regarding the exact date of Nirjala Ekadashi. Is the Nirjala Ekadashi fast on May 27th or on June 25th? In fact, the *Shukla Paksha* is currently underway; the month of *Jyeshtha* began following the conclusion of *Vaishakh*. However, the occurrence of an *Adhikmas* (intercalary month) within *Jyeshtha* has led to confusion regarding Nirjala Ekadashi. People are mistaking the Ekadashi falling during this *Jyeshtha Adhikmas* for Nirjala Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: The Correct Date
According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Shukla Paksha* of the *Jyeshtha Adhikmas* is currently in progress. Consequently, the upcoming Ekadashi is the one associated with the *Shukla Paksha* of the *Adhikmas*—an occurrence that takes place only once every three years. In contrast, Nirjala Ekadashi falls annually during the *Shukla Paksha* of the regular month of *Jyeshtha*.
Specifically, the Ekadashi Tithi of the *Jyeshtha Adhikmas* *Shukla Paksha* commenced today, May 26th, at 5:10 AM and will continue until 6:21 AM on May 27th. Based on the *Udayatithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), May 27th will be observed as *Padmini Ekadashi*, not Nirjala Ekadashi.

An *Adhikmas* has been intercalated into the month of *Jyeshtha*. Thus, immediately following the conclusion of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase) of *Jyeshtha*, the *Shukla Paksha* of the *Adhikmas* began. Once this *Shukla Paksha* concludes, the *Krishna Paksha* of the *Adhikmas* will commence. The *Shukla Paksha* of the regular month of *Jyeshtha* will begin only after the *Amavasya* (New Moon) of the *Adhikmas* has passed. It is at that subsequent time—when the Ekadashi Tithi arrives—that it will be observed as Nirjala Ekadashi. Viewed in this light, there is a gap of approximately one month between the *Padmini Ekadashi* of the *Adhikmas* and Nirjala Ekadashi.

According to the *Panchang*, the *Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi* Tithi—marking the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi—will commence on June 24th at 6:12 PM and will remain in effect until 8:09 PM on June 25th. Consequently, based on the sunrise, Nirjala Ekadashi falls on June 25th, rather than on Wednesday, May 27th.

On June 25th, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed during the auspicious *Ravi Yoga*. On this day, *Ravi Yoga* will commence at 5:25 AM and will continue until 4:29 PM. The influence of the Sun God (*Surya Dev*) is particularly potent during this *Yoga*; as a result, any astrological afflictions or negative effects are nullified during this period.

**Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)**
Those observing the fast on this day may perform their worship (*Puja*) between 5:25 AM and 7:10 AM. This window constitutes a highly auspicious and excellent time for worship. You may, however, perform worship even after this specific time slot. The *Rahukal* (inauspicious period) for the day will last from 2:09 PM to 3:53 PM.

**When is the Nirjala Ekadashi *Paran* (Breaking of the Fast)?**
The *Paran* (breaking of the fast) for Nirjala Ekadashi will take place on Friday, June 26th. On this day, you may break your fast anytime between sunrise—specifically 5:25 AM—and 8:13 AM.

**Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi**
On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should observe a fast and worship Lord Vishnu. By doing so, all one's sins are absolved. It is said that observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast alone—just once during the entire year—bestows the cumulative spiritual merit and blessings equivalent to observing *all* the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year.

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