Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) 2026: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) falls on Friday, November 20, 2026 in India and on the same day in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Sat, Nov 21, 12:08 PM – 5:30 AM; Dallas Sat, Nov 21, 7:03 AM – 9:07 AM. It is the Kartika Shukla Ekadashi, dedicated to Damodara.
Also called: Devutthana, Prabodhini or Kartiki Ekadashi.
1The story
After four months of yoga nidra, Vishnu wakes on this day and Chaturmasya ends. Brahma told Narada that keeping awake this night with songs and lamps destroys the sins of many lives. The next day, Ksheerabdi Dwadashi, Tulasi is worshipped with Vishnu, and in many regions the Tulasi Vivaha (her wedding to Vishnu as Shaligrama) is celebrated.
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.
6Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) 2026 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Fri, Nov 20 · Vaishnava Sat, Nov 21 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 12:08 PM – 5:30 AM |
| Bengaluru | Fri, Nov 20 · Vaishnava Sat, Nov 21 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 12:08 PM – 5:30 AM |
| New York | Fri, Nov 20 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 6:50 AM – 8:46 AM |
| Dallas | Fri, Nov 20 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 7:03 AM – 9:07 AM |
| Bay Area | Fri, Nov 20 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 6:53 AM – 8:53 AM |
| London | Fri, Nov 20 Parana Sat, Nov 21, 7:28 AM – 9:11 AM |
| Singapore | Sat, Nov 21 Parana Sun, Nov 22, 6:49 AM – 7:27 AM |
| Sydney | Sat, Nov 21 Parana Sun, Nov 22, 5:39 AM – 8:28 AM |
Next: India Wed, Nov 10, 2027 · US Tue, Nov 9, 2027.
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More about Uthana Ekadashi
Significance
One of the most important Ekadashis of the year. Weddings and other auspicious events, paused during Chaturmasya, can resume after this day.
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.
← Rama Ekadashi · All Ekadashis · Utpanna Ekadashi →
Frequently asked questions
When is Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) in 2026?
Friday, November 20, 2026 in India and Friday, November 20, 2026 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini)?
Hyderabad: Sat, Nov 21, 12:08 PM – 5:30 AM. Dallas: Sat, Nov 21, 7:03 AM – 9:07 AM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini)?
After four months of yoga nidra, Vishnu wakes on this day and Chaturmasya ends.
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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