Rama Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the Krishna paksha of Kartik, and it falls just before Diwali. It honours Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi ("Rama" is a name of Lakshmi), and many families keep the fast as a way of preparing mind and home for the festival of lights.
Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
Ekadashi tithi (IST): begins 11:03 AM on 4 November; ends 10:35 AM on 5 November
Parana (breaking the fast), New Delhi: Friday, 6 November, about 6:37 AM to 8:48 AM (Dwadashi ends 10:30 AM). Hari Vasara ends at 4:33 PM on 5 November, and parana should not be done before it ends.
Parana times differ by city, so please check a local panchang for Mumbai, Thane or Pune. Some Smarta and Vaishnava communities observe on different dates; follow your own temple or family tradition.
What Is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of each fortnight, observed twice a month. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and fasting, prayer and staying awake in devotion are the main practices. Each Ekadashi has its own name and story, and Rama Ekadashi is the one associated with Lakshmi-Narayana.
The Katha of Chandrabhaga and Shobhana
The traditional story, told in the Puranic literature, speaks of King Muchukunda, who kept Ekadashi and ensured his subjects did so too. His daughter Chandrabhaga married Shobhana, a prince who was weak and found fasting very hard. Fearful of the king's rule, Shobhana kept the fast but did not survive it. Because of the merit of the vrat he received a kingdom, but it was unstable because his fast had been driven by fear. Chandrabhaga, who had observed Ekadashi with faith all her life, offered him the merit of her own fasts, and his kingdom became steady. The lesson often drawn is that a fast kept with sincere devotion is worth more than one kept out of fear.
Vrat Vidhi
Dashami (4 November)
Eat a single light sattvic meal. Many families avoid grains and beans and gather tulsi leaves in advance.
Ekadashi (5 November)
- Bathe, light a ghee or sesame lamp before Vishnu, Krishna or Lakshmi-Narayana, and take a sankalpa.
- Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, fruit and water.
- Read the Rama Ekadashi katha and chant Vishnu Sahasranama or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya". "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" is also used.
- Do an evening aarti. Some families hold a night of bhajans.
Dwadashi (parana)
Offer food to the Lord first, then break the fast within the parana window, after Hari Vasara and before Dwadashi ends.
Types of Fast
- Nirjala: without food or water (demanding, and not advised for many people).
- Phalahar: fruit, milk and permitted foods, the most common form.
- Ekabhukta: one simple meal.
- A sattvic day: simple vegetarian food, prayer and restraint.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, elders, people with diabetes or blood-pressure conditions, and those on regular medication should not keep a strict fast without medical advice. The spirit of the vrat can be kept with a lighter observance.
Why It Matters
Because Rama Ekadashi falls days before Diwali, it is a calm moment for reflection. See also Diwali 2026 and Dhanteras 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat rice on Ekadashi?
Traditionally, grains including rice are avoided on Ekadashi, and many people eat fruit, milk, sabudana, potatoes or other permitted foods. Follow your family custom.
What if I miss the parana window?
Break the fast as soon as practical after sunrise on Dwadashi, preferably before Dwadashi ends, and consult a priest if you are unsure.
Why is it called Rama Ekadashi?
Because 'Rama' is a name of Goddess Lakshmi, and the day is dedicated to Lakshmi-Narayana. It is not related to Lord Rama's name in the usual sense.
Read Next
- Diwali Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance
- Dhanteras Date, Puja Muhurat, Story, Puja Vidhi and Significance
- Jaya Ekadashi and Significance
Resources and references. HinduTone: Rama Ekadashi 2026 | Drik Panchang (verify city timings) | Traditional sources: Puranic accounts of Rama Ekadashi (often cited from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana)
Disclaimer. This article is shared for general knowledge and cultural interest. It draws on traditional beliefs, scriptural tradition and published panchang sources, and is not scientific, medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Astrology, Vastu, omens and religious observances are belief-based and offer no guarantee of any outcome. Dates, tithi and muhurat timings differ by city and by panchang, and the figures given here may change or contain errors, so please confirm them with your local panchang or family priest before you act. Fasting and dietary practices must suit your health; consult a doctor first if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Sansthaan and its writers accept no responsibility or liability for any decision, loss or consequence arising from the use of this content.
Sansthaan Team
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