अपरा एकादशी
Apara Ekadashi
Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi, a fast believed to remove even grave sins and bring good name.
About Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha. It is a fast believed to remove even grave sins and bring good name.
Like every Ekadashi it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to the Parana, the breaking of the fast, after sunrise the next morning on Dwadashi.
How to celebrate
Eat a light sattvic meal before sunset on Dashami, the day before.
On Ekadashi morning, bathe and take a sankalp, a resolve, to keep the fast.
Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, a diya and fruit.
Read or listen to the Apara Ekadashi vrat katha and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Stay awake for part of the night in bhajan or prayer if you can.
Break the fast the next day within the Parana time for your city.
Do
- Fruit, milk, nuts, sabudana, kuttu and singhara flour
- Rock salt instead of regular salt
Avoid
- Rice and all grains, beans and lentils
- Onion, garlic, meat and alcohol
The story
King Mahidhwaja was killed by his jealous brother and became a restless spirit. A sage kept the Apara Ekadashi fast for him and released his soul.
Questions
When is Apara Ekadashi in 2026?
Apara Ekadashi 2026 is on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Krishna Ekadashi tithi begins at 2:52 PM on Tuesday 12 May and ends at 1:30 PM on Wednesday 13 May IST.
When should I break the Apara Ekadashi fast?
In New Delhi, Parana is from 5:31 AM on Thursday 14 May to 10:56 AM IST. Break the fast after sunrise and before Dwadashi ends. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What can I eat during the Apara Ekadashi fast?
Fruit, milk and curd, nuts, sabudana, potatoes, and kuttu or singhara flour cooked with rock salt. Grains, rice, beans and lentils are avoided.
Why is rice avoided on Ekadashi?
Grains are believed to hold the sin that sought refuge on Ekadashi. Rice in particular is avoided by everyone, even those who do not keep the full fast.
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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