Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Dates, Rituals and Spiritual Significance

Yogini Ekadashi, observed on the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month of Ashadha, falls on July 10‑11 2026. The Ekadashi tithi begins on Friday, 10 July 2026 at 08:16 IST and ends on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at 05:22 IST. Devotees break the fast (parana) on 11 July between 13:50 and 16:36 IST, though some Vaishnav traditions observe the parana on 12 July.

The fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to erase sins, bring prosperity and secure the blessings of the goddess Lakshmi. Traditional observances include an early‑morning bath, lighting a ghee lamp before a tulsi plant, chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” and offering fruits, flowers and sandalwood paste. Dietary rules prohibit grains, pulses, onion, garlic and other tamasic foods; many devotees consume a fruit‑based (phalahar) or light satvik diet.

Mythologically, the day is linked to the story of Kubera’s gardener Hemamali, who, after neglecting his duties, was cursed with disease and later redeemed by observing Yogini Ekadashi as advised by Sage Markandeya. Reciting this katha is said to confer the merit of feeding 88,000 Brahmins. The fast also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four‑month period of intensified devotion, charity and austerity.

Across India and among Hindu communities worldwide, the observance is accompanied by charitable acts such as feeding the needy or donating alms before breaking the fast.