Rama Ekadashi 2026: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Rama Ekadashi falls on Thursday, November 5, 2026 in India and on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Fri, Nov 6, 6:17 AM – 8:34 AM; Dallas Thu, Nov 5, 6:50 AM – 8:58 AM. It is the Ashwayuja Krishna Ekadashi (Kartika Krishna in the North Indian purnimanta calendar), dedicated to Keshava (with Lakshmi).
1The story
In King Muchukunda's kingdom everyone kept Ekadashi, even the animals. His son-in-law Shobhana was too weak to fast and died on Rama Ekadashi. By that fast he was reborn as king of a jewelled city on Mount Mandara, but it was not lasting. His wife Chandrabhaga, Muchukunda's daughter, gave him the merit of the Ekadashis she had kept since childhood, and the city became permanent.
From the Ekadashi Mahatmya (Padma and Bhavishyottara Puranas), as Sri Krishna told it to Yudhishthira.
2How to keep the fast
- Dashami (the day before): one simple meal, no rice in the evening.
- Ekadashi: fast as your health allows: without water (nirjala), with fruit and milk (phalahara), or one meal without grains. Rice, wheat, pulses and beans are avoided by all.
- Worship: Vishnu puja with tulasi leaves, a lamp, and the Vishnu Sahasranama or the story of the day.
- Night: many keep jagarana, staying awake with bhajans and readings.
- Dwadashi: break the fast in the parana window shown above, after the Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi) has ended, ideally with tulasi water and a little rice.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone who is unwell or on medication should keep a light fast, or simply avoid grains. Ask your priest and doctor.
3Checklist: what you need
8 items
- Vishnu or Venkateswara picture
- Tulasi leaves (picked the day before; not on Ekadashi)
- Yellow or white flowers, sandalwood, akshata
- Ghee lamp and agarbatti
- Fruits, milk and (if you take them) fasting foods without grains
- Vishnu Sahasranamam book or app
- Ekadashi katha for this Ekadashi (section 1 above)
- For Dwadashi parana: a simple rice dish, and the parana time for your city
4A priest, or do it yourself
5Puja items near you
Indian groceries and puja stores near the city you picked above.
6Rama Ekadashi 2026 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Thu, Nov 5 Parana Fri, Nov 6, 6:17 AM – 8:34 AM |
| Bengaluru | Thu, Nov 5 Parana Fri, Nov 6, 6:15 AM – 8:34 AM |
| New York | Wed, Nov 4 Parana Thu, Nov 5, 6:32 AM – 8:35 AM |
| Dallas | Wed, Nov 4 Parana Thu, Nov 5, 6:50 AM – 8:58 AM |
| Bay Area | Wed, Nov 4 Parana Thu, Nov 5, 6:38 AM – 8:43 AM |
| London | Wed, Nov 4 · Vaishnava Thu, Nov 5 Parana Thu, Nov 5, after 11:05 AM |
| Singapore | Thu, Nov 5 Parana Fri, Nov 6, 6:47 AM – 9:11 AM |
| Sydney | Thu, Nov 5 Parana Fri, Nov 6, 5:51 AM – 8:34 AM |
Next: India Mon, Oct 25, 2027 · US Mon, Oct 25, 2027.
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More about Rama Ekadashi
Significance
Rama is a name of Lakshmi; the fast is kept for prosperity and comes just before Deepavali.
Smarta and Vaishnava dates
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas move the fast to the next day. Where the dates differ, the Vaishnava date is shown in the table above. See the Ekadashi guide.
← Papankusha Ekadashi · All Ekadashis · Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) →
Frequently asked questions
When is Rama Ekadashi in 2026?
Thursday, November 5, 2026 in India and Wednesday, November 4, 2026 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Rama Ekadashi?
Hyderabad: Fri, Nov 6, 6:17 AM – 8:34 AM. Dallas: Thu, Nov 5, 6:50 AM – 8:58 AM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Rama Ekadashi?
In King Muchukunda's kingdom everyone kept Ekadashi, even the animals.
Why do Smarta and Vaishnava dates sometimes differ?
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas (including ISKCON) move the fast to the next day; Smartas follow the tithi at sunrise.
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Calculated for each city's own sunrise and sunset; times are shown to the minute in local time, including daylight saving. Panchangams can differ by a few minutes, and family and temple traditions vary. For general information only; it may contain errors and is not religious, astrological or medical advice. Always confirm important dates and muhurtams with your priest or temple. See the disclaimer and terms.
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