षटतिला एकादशी
Shattila Ekadashi
Magha Krishna Ekadashi, the sesame Ekadashi, when sesame is used in six ways: in the bath, paste, food, water, offering and charity.
About Shattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Magha Krishna Paksha. It is the sesame Ekadashi, when sesame is used in six ways: in the bath, paste, food, water, offering and charity.
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 Shattila 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
A devout woman fasted often but never gave food in charity. She was blessed with a heavenly home that was empty, until she kept Shattila Ekadashi and gave sesame to others.
Questions
When is Shattila Ekadashi in 2026?
Shattila Ekadashi 2026 is on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Krishna Ekadashi tithi begins at 3:18 PM on Tuesday 13 January and ends at 5:53 PM on Wednesday 14 January IST.
When should I break the Shattila Ekadashi fast?
In New Delhi, Parana is from 7:15 AM on Thursday 15 January to 11:27 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 Shattila 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.
Around Shattila Ekadashi
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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