2026 Jaya Ekadashi is a fasting ritual which is observed on the ‘Ekadashi’ tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Magh’ as per the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, it comes between the months of January-February. According to believes that if this Ekadashi comes on a Thursday, then it is even more auspicious. Like any other Ekadashi, this Ekadashi is also celebrated in the honour of Lord Vishnu, one of the three main Hindu deities.

The Jaya Ekadashi fasting is taken by almost all Hindus, especially Lord Vishnu devotees to gain his divine blessings. Jaya Ekadashi is also fondly called as ‘Bhoumi Ekadashi’ and ‘Bhishma Ekadashi’ in some Hindu communities of South India, particularly the regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Jaya Ekadashi Date and Timing 2026

In 2026, Jaya Ekadashi will fall on January 25, Sunday.

Here are the auspicious times related to Jaya Ekadashi for 2026:

Jaya Ekadashi Date: January 25, 2026, Sunday

Ekadashi Tithi Start: January 24, 2026 at 10:25 pm

Ekadashi Tithi End: January 25, 2026 at 11:27 pm

Sunrise (January 25, 2026): 07:12 am (This may vary slightly according to your location)

Sunset (January 25, 2026): 06:05 pm (This may vary slightly according to your location)

Parana Muhurat (Fast Breaking Time) - January 26, 2026: 07:12 am to 09:20 am

Rituals on the Jaya Ekadashi 2026

The devotees keep fasting for the whole day, without eating or drinking anything. Actually the Vrat begins from the ‘Dashami’ tithi (10th day). No food is taken on this day after sunrise to ensure that complete fast is taken on Ekadashi. Hindu followers keep waterless fast from the sunrise of Ekadashi to the sunrise of ‘Dwadashi’ tithi (12th day). During the fast, the person must not let the feelings of anger, lust or greed enters their mind. The Vrat is mainly meant to purify both the body and the soul. The follower of this Vrat must offer foods to respected Brahmins on the Dwadashi tithi and after that break their fast. One who follows the Vrat should not sleep all night and recite Bhajans praising Lord Vishnu.

1. For people who cannot keep complete fasting, can even keep partial fasting by consuming milk and fruits. This exception is meant for elderly people, pregnant women and for those suffering from serious body illnesses.

2. Even those who do not wish to keep fast on Jaya Ekadashi must restrict from eating food made from rice and any forms of grains. Applying oil on the body is also prohibited.

3. Lord Vishnu is worshipped with complete devotion on Jaya Ekadashi. Devotees wake up at sunrise and take an early bath. A small idol of Lord Vishnu is then kept on the place of worship and the followers offer sandalwood paste, sesame seeds, fruits, lamp and dhoop, to the God. Reciting ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ and ‘Narayan Stotra’ is considered auspicious on this day.

4. We often wonder why our eyes keep twitching, while there are scientific reasons for it, there are also some astrological reasons for the blinking of the eyes. When we hear about the religious facts about a left eye blinking, it surprises us by the revelations we will get at the end.

How Jaya Ekadashi will affect your zodiac, to know India’s trusted astrologers now!

Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)

Q1: When is Jaya Ekadashi in 2026?

A: Jaya Ekadashi in 2026 will be on January 25, 2026 (Sunday).
The Ekadashi tithi starts on January 24, 2026 at 10:25 pm,  and continues until January 25, 2026, at 11:55 AM  However, according to Udaya Tithi (sunrise calculation), it falls on January 25 in the majority of the areas.

Q2: What is the importance of Jaya Ekadashi?

A: Jaya Ekadashi, which is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha of Magha month (January-February), is Lord Vishnu's Ekadashi and is known to bring triumph over inner demons and sins. It is believed to free the devotees from evil forces, such as ghostly or demonic powers, and open doors to peace, spiritual advancement, and moksha (salvation). The fasting is also referred to as Bhishma Ekadashi or Bhoomi Ekadashi in certain South Indian communities.

Q3: What is the tale (Vrat Katha) of Jaya Ekadashi?

A: As per the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna told the tale to Yudhishthira. In heaven, Indra cursed Gandharva Malyavan and Apsara Pushpavati for an indecent act and converted them into vampires. On Jaya Ekadashi, out of misery in the Himalayas, they inadvertently kept the fast by not eating and drinking. This act, combined with staying awake, freed them from the curse, restoring their divine forms and returning them to heaven. This highlights the fast’s power to cleanse sins and negative karma.

Q4: How is the Jaya Ekadashi fast observed?

A: - Preparation: On the day before (Dashami), eat a single sattvic meal (no grains, tamasic foods like onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian items).

Fasting: Devotees undergo a strict fast on Jaya Ekadashi without eating food and drinking water (Nirjala) or eating only water, milk, or fruits according to personal ability. The fasting starts at dawn and remains till dawn or Parana time the following day.
Worship: Wake up during Brahma Muhurta, bath, and purify the worship space. Install an idol or photo of Lord Vishnu and offer sandalwood, sesame seeds, fruits, incense sticks, lights, and Panchamrit. Recite Narayan Stotra and Vishnu Sahasranama.
Night Vigil: Remain awake, recite mantras such as "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye," or sing bhajans.
Charity: Give food, clothes, or essentials to the poor.

Q5: What is the Parana (breaking of fast) time for Jaya Ekadashi 2026?

A: The Parana time for morning breaking the fast is on January 26, 2026, usually after sunrise, from 7:12 AM to 9:20 AM (dependent on local sunrise times). Do not break the fast during Hari Vasara (a particular time frame). In case Parana is not possible in the morning, it can be performed after the end of Hari Vasara, at times up to the afternoon.