New Delhi: Sawan Ekadashi 2026, known as Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, will be observed on Sunday, August 23 in New Delhi. The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:00 AM on August 23 and ends at 4:18 AM on August 24. Devotees following the Vaishnava tradition will observe Putrada Ekadashi on Monday, August 24. The general Parana time is 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM on August 24, after Hari Vasara ends at 10:49 AM.
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally associated with children, family happiness and parental hopes. It is one of the two Putrada Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar, the other being Pausha Putrada Ekadashi.
Why is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi important
Putrada Ekadashi has traditionally been observed by devotees who pray for children, family well-being and the fulfilment of parental wishes.
Its importance comes alive through the story of King Mahajit. Despite having wealth and prosperity, the king remained distressed because he had no child. He eventually learned about the significance of Ekadashi and observed the prescribed vrat with devotion. According to the Vrat Katha, his wish was eventually fulfilled.
The story remains central to the festival because it reflects a deeply human emotion: the hope of building and continuing a family.
How to observe Sawan Ekadashi Vrat
The exact Puja Vidhi differs between families and religious traditions. A simple observance includes:
- Wake up, bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Take a Sankalp to observe the Ekadashi vrat.
- Worship Lord Vishnu with devotion.
- Offer flowers, fruits and traditional puja items.
- Chant Vishnu mantras or read sacred texts.
- Follow the Ekadashi fasting rules according to your tradition.
- Maintain restraint in speech and conduct.
- Break the fast during the prescribed Dwadashi Parana period.
Ekadashi fasting generally involves avoiding grains, although the permitted diet and level of fasting differ between traditions.
What is Ekadashi Parana
Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast. It is performed on Dwadashi after sunrise.
The timing matters because traditional Ekadashi rules advise devotees to avoid breaking the fast during Hari Vasara, which refers to the first part of Dwadashi.
For the general Shravana Putrada Ekadashi observance in New Delhi, the Parana window is 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM on August 24.
Vaishnava devotees following the separate observance have a different Parana window on August 25 from 5:55 AM to 6:20 AM.
Why do some calendars show two dates
This often causes confusion. Ekadashi dates are determined by the relationship between the Ekadashi Tithi, sunrise and the tradition used to calculate the fasting day.
For 2026, the general observance falls on August 23, while the Vaishnava observance falls on August 24. This does not necessarily mean one calendar is wrong.
Devotees should follow the Panchang and religious tradition they normally use.
Who can observe Putrada Ekadashi
Traditionally, Putrada Ekadashi is especially associated with couples praying for children and family happiness. However, devotees can also observe the day as an act of devotion to Lord Vishnu and prayer for the well-being of their family.
The traditional association with having a son comes from the historical religious context of lineage and ancestral rites. Today, the observance can also be understood as a prayer for healthy children, family happiness and the welfare of loved ones.
The central message of Shravana Putrada Ekadashi remains simple: devotion, restraint and faith. For those observing the vrat, checking the correct Tithi and Parana time is as important as following the fasting ritual itself.
