Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026: Date, Time, Fasting Rules and Puja

Ashadhi Ekadashi is also called Shayani Ekadashi. It falls on July 24, 2026. This specific day brings the Pandharpur Wari to a close. Officials expect millions of Varkaris to finally finish their journey on foot. They are here to seek the darshan of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini Mata in Pandharpur.

Date and Timings

In 2026, Ashadhi Ekadashi is on Friday, July 24. Devotees break their fast the next day. That is Dwadashi.

Fasting Rules

Devotees observing the Ashadhi Ekadashi fast have some strict rules. Fasting usually begins right at sunrise. And it lasts all the way until the following morning.

• Avoid grains, pulses, and rice.
• Consume sabudana, bhagar, groundnuts, and fruits.
• Maintain a sattvic diet and avoid onion and garlic on Dashami, Ekadashi, and Dwadashi.

Puja Vidhi

The puja is strictly for Lord Vishnu and his avatar, Lord Vitthal. Devotees always wake up early. They bathe and clean the entire puja area.

• Place an idol or picture of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini Mata.
• Offer tulsi leaves, chandan, and fresh flowers.
• Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
• Chant "Ram Krishna Hari" and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or Dnyaneshwari.

Varkaris reaching Pandharpur always take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga river before heading for darshan. It is an ancient tradition here. The whole day is spent in kirtan, bhajan, and namasmaran.