Utpanna Ekadashi 2026: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Utpanna Ekadashi falls on Friday, December 4, 2026 in India and on the same day in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Sat, Dec 5, 6:32 AM – 8:46 AM; Dallas Sat, Dec 5, 7:15 AM – 9:16 AM. It is the Kartika Krishna Ekadashi (Margashirsha Krishna in the North Indian purnimanta calendar), dedicated to Keshava.
1The story
This is the birth of Ekadashi herself. The demon Mura drove the devas from heaven. Vishnu fought him for a thousand years and then rested in the Himavati cave at Badarikashrama. As Mura came to kill the sleeping Lord, a radiant maiden appeared from Vishnu's body and destroyed him. Vishnu named her Ekadashi and blessed her: all who fast on her day will be freed from sin.
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.
6Utpanna Ekadashi 2026 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 6:32 AM – 8:46 AM |
| Bengaluru | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 6:28 AM – 8:44 AM |
| New York | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 7:04 AM – 8:57 AM |
| Dallas | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 7:15 AM – 9:16 AM |
| Bay Area | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 7:06 AM – 9:03 AM |
| London | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 7:49 AM – 9:26 AM |
| Singapore | Fri, Dec 4 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 8:32 AM – 9:18 AM |
| Sydney | Fri, Dec 4 · Vaishnava Sat, Dec 5 Parana Sat, Dec 5, 11:32 AM – 10:00 AM |
Next: India Wed, Nov 24, 2027 · US Tue, Nov 23, 2027.
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More about Utpanna Ekadashi
Significance
Those who wish to begin keeping Ekadashi fasts traditionally start with Utpanna.
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.
← Uthana Ekadashi (Prabodhini) · All Ekadashis · Vaikunta Ekadashi (Mokshada) →
Frequently asked questions
When is Utpanna Ekadashi in 2026?
Friday, December 4, 2026 in India and Friday, December 4, 2026 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Utpanna Ekadashi?
Hyderabad: Sat, Dec 5, 6:32 AM – 8:46 AM. Dallas: Sat, Dec 5, 7:15 AM – 9:16 AM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Utpanna Ekadashi?
This is the birth of Ekadashi herself.
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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