Papankusha Ekadashi 2026: Fast on 22 October, Parana 6:27–8:42 AM

The tithi and the name

In New Delhi the Ekadashi tithi runs from 2:13 PM on 21 October to 2:49 PM on 22 October. The fast is kept on the day Ekadashi holds at sunrise, so it falls on 22 October. The name, from “papa” (sin) and “ankusha” (the goad that steers an elephant), says that by tradition this fast curbs sin.

The Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda) chapter on this Ekadashi tells no story; there Krishna only tells Yudhishthira the merits of the vow, and says Lord Vishnu should be worshipped on the day by the name Padmanabha. The tale popularly told on this day is of Krodhana the hunter, who keeps the fast on the sage Angira’s advice; that tale is not in the Padma Purana. Both are on the katha page.

How the fast is kept

• By the Padma Purana: worship of Lord Vishnu as Padmanabha, a fast by day and a vigil at night.
• By tradition rice and grains are not eaten; without water or with fruit, by family custom and health.
• The Padma Purana praises bathing and giving on this day as far as one can (food, water, clothes, an umbrella, sandals and the like).
• 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 Friday, 23 October, from 6:27 AM to 8:42 AM. It is done during Dwadashi, after Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi); on 23 October Dwadashi lasts until the afternoon. Other cities differ by a few minutes; times for 16 cities are on the Papankusha Ekadashi page.