New Delhi: The Nirjala Ekadashi fast prohibits both food and water, making it the most challenging fast among the 24 Ekadashis celebrated throughout the year. According to ISKCON Desire Tree, “There are total 24 Ekadashi fasts, which are celebrated in one year. Each of them carries a special significance but by observing Nirjala Ekadashi, anyone can get the fruits of all of them. The word Nirjala means without water. It is the most difficult and powerful fast.”
When Is Nirjala Ekadashi 2026?
- This year, this fast will be observed on June 25.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 24, 2026 at 06:12 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 25, 2026 at 08:09 PM
- Parana Time (Time to break the fast): June 26, 2026 from 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM
Benefit Of Keeping Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
The term ‘Nirjala’ translates to ‘without water’, and this fast is strictly observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu. According to Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, an astrologer based in Tirupati, consuming water during this fast, even accidentally, renders it broken and fruitless. The fast is believed to provide significant spiritual benefits, allowing individuals to wash away sins and attain salvation. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is considered so impactful that it is said to equate to observing all other Ekadashis in a year.
It is believed that devotees who are unable to observe all 24 Ekadashi fasts in a year should observed this single fast and it can bring benegits of all the 24 Ekadashis. This is how powerful it is.
Rules Of The Fast
What to Do
- Observe a complete fast, abstaining from both food and water.
- Spend time in devotion to Lord Vishnu – visit temples and listen to religious discourses.
- Donate generously, especially water and sharbat (sweet drink), which is highly virtuous during the summer.
- Lead a sattvic lifestyle and refrain from anger, falsehood, and negative thoughts.
What to Avoid
- Do not consume grains, rice, or lentils.
- Avoid tamasic food (including onion, garlic, meat, etc.).
- Refrain from insulting others or engaging in negative behaviour.
- Avoid physical exertion during the fast.
