Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Begins Chaturmas as Vishnu Enters Four‑Month Yoga Nidra

Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed on Saturday, 25 July 2026. According to Hindu calendars, this Ekadashi marks the start of the four‑month austerity period called Chaturmas. On this day Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a divine sleep (yoga nidra) in the cosmic ocean of Kshira Sagar, remaining there until Prabodhini Ekadashi in November.

During Chaturmas traditional auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, engagements, house‑warmings, new‑business inaugurations and certain samskaras (e.g., jnan‑up‑nama, mundan) are suspended. Devotees focus on fasting, puja, mantra chanting (e.g., “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”), charitable deeds and spiritual study. Recommended fasting rules include a single‑day fast from sunrise to sunset, with options for water‑less or fruit‑based diets. The puja ritual involves bathing the Vishnu image with panchamrit, offering yellow cloth, tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood paste and seasonal fruits, and lighting a ghee diya.

The timing details from Drik Panchang are: Ekadashi tithi begins 9:12 am on 24 July, ends 11:34 am on 25 July; parana (fast‑break) occurs on 26 July between 5:39 am and 8:22 am. The observance is celebrated by Hindu communities worldwide, especially in India.