Apara Ekadashi is an important Ekadashi for Hindus that is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha. It corresponds to the months of May-June according to the Gregorian calendar. It is believed that by celebrating Apara Ekadashi vrat all the sins committed by a person will be washed away. This Ekadashi is also popularly known as ‘Achla Ekadashi’ and blesses with divine and auspicious results. Like all other Ekadashis, the 2026 Apara Ekadashi too is dedicated to  Lord Vishnu. Many devotees also explore ai astrology to understand the spiritual benefits of this powerful Ekadashi.

The word ‘Apar’ in Hindi means unlimited and by observing this vrat the person is believed to get unlimited wealth and prosperity, that is why this Ekadashi is called as ‘Apara Ekadashi’. Another meaning of this Ekadashi is that it gives unlimited benefits to its followers. The significance of Apara Ekadashi is written in the holy ‘Brahma Purana’. Apara Ekadashi is celebrated with full commitment and devotion all across the nation. It is known by the different names in different regions of the country. In the state of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana, Apara Ekadashi is celebrated as ‘Bhadrakali Ekadashi’ and worshipping Goddess Bhadra Kali is considered auspicious on this day. In Orissa, it is known as ‘Jalakrida Ekadashi’ and is celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath.  Devotees who are confused about rituals sometimes prefer to talk to astrologer for accurate guidance.

Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date and Fasting Timings

Apara Ekadashi 2026 Date: Wednesday, 13th May 2026
Apara Ekadashi Parana Time: 05:30 AM to 08:15 AM on 14th, May
Duration: 2 Hour 45 Minutes
Hari Vasara End Moment: At 08:15 AM on 14th, May 2026

Rituals of 2026 Apara Ekadashi Vrat

The followers of Apara Ekadashi needs to take special care of the puja. All the rituals must be performed with full devotion and dedication. The devotees of this vrat should wake up before sunrise and take an early bath. Then they should offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to the Lord Vishnu. Sweets are also offered on this occasion to the lord. The devotees also recite the Apara Ekadashi Vrat Katha with patience.‘Aarti’ is then recited and the ‘Prasad’ is distributed among other devotees. The devotees must also visit the temples of Lord Vishnu, in the evening for Sandhya Aarti. Many followers also check their nakshatra and tithi using free kundali software before performing the vrat.

The fasting of this Ekadashi starts on the ‘Dashami’ (10th day). The person takes normally only one meal on this day so that the stomach remains empty on the day of Ekadashi. Some of the devotees keep strict fasting and spend the day without eating or even drinking anything. Partial vrat can also be kept for those who are unfit or have some health complications to observe strict fast. They can then eat fruits all day. The fasting starts from sunrise and ends on the sunrise of the next day that is ‘Dwadashi’ (12th day). On the day of Apara Ekadashi eating of any kinds of grains and rice is prohibited for all. Applying oil on the body is also prohibited.

Devotees should keep the mind free from all negative thoughts. The follower of this vrat should not speak lies or abuse about others. Their mind should only be dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Reading the verse of  ‘Vishnu Sahastranam’ on this day is considered to be auspicious. The follower of the Apara Ekadashi vrat must participate in bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu on this day.

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