The Indira Ekadashi fast is on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. In New Delhi the fast is broken (parana) the next morning, Wednesday 7 October, between 6:17 AM and 8:38 AM. It is the Ekadashi of Pitru Paksha, so by tradition it is also kept for one’s ancestors.
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The Ekadashi of Pitru Paksha
Indira Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha (Purnimanta; Bhadrapada in the Amanta calendar) and falls within Pitru Paksha. The Ekadashi shraddh of Pitru Paksha is also on 6 October. In the story told in tradition, King Indrasena of Mahishmati keeps this fast on the sage Narada’s advice, and its merit frees his father from the realm of Yama.
How the fast is kept
- The fast begins at sunrise on Ekadashi, with worship of Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves and a lamp.
- By tradition rice and grains are not eaten; without water or with fruit, by family custom and health.
- On this Ekadashi it is the custom to offer shraddh or tarpan to the ancestors along with the fast; ask your own purohit for the rite.
- In illness, pregnancy or while on medicine, choose the form of the fast according to your health.
Parana time
In New Delhi the parana is on Wednesday, 7 October, from 6:17 AM to 8:38 AM. It is done during Dwadashi, after Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi). Other cities differ by a few minutes; times for 16 cities are on the Indira Ekadashi page.
Sources
- Drik Panchang: Indira Ekadashi 2026, New Delhi (date and parana compared)
- Drik Panchang: date of the Ekadashi shraddh in Pitru Paksha 2026
- Parana: SanatanBodh panchang calculation (astronomy-engine, Lahiri ayanamsha)
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