निर्जला एकादशी
Nirjala Ekadashi
Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, the strictest Ekadashi, kept without even water, said to give the merit of all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year.
About Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha. It is the strictest Ekadashi, kept without even water, said to give the merit of all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year.
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 Nirjala 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
- Drink water at sunrise on Dwadashi only after the Parana time begins
- Rest in the heat of the afternoon
Avoid
- Food and water for the whole day
- Breaking the fast after Dwadashi ends
The story
Bhima could not bear hunger and missed every Ekadashi. Sage Vyasa told him to keep just this one fast without food or water, which would equal all the others. It is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Questions
When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026?
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 is on Thursday, 25 June 2026. Shukla Ekadashi tithi begins at 6:13 PM on Wednesday 24 June and ends at 8:09 PM on Thursday 25 June IST.
When should I break the Nirjala Ekadashi fast?
In New Delhi, Parana is from 5:25 AM on Friday 26 June to 11:00 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 Nirjala Ekadashi fast?
Nothing, not even water, from sunrise on Ekadashi until the Parana time the next morning. People who cannot keep it nirjala should consult their family tradition.
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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