Indira Ekadashi 2026 falls on October 6 with rituals and specific timings announced

Indira Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during the Pitru Paksha period. According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi tithi begins late at night at 2:07 AM on October 6 and ends at 12:34 midnight on October 7. India TV Hindi notes that this day is also known as Ekadashi Shraadh or Gyaras Shraadh, specifically meant for ancestral rites and rituals.

Shubh Muhurat and Puja Timings

The auspicious time for donation and bathing during the Brahma muhurat is from 4:39 AM to 5:28 AM. Morning worship is scheduled from 5:03 AM to 6:17 AM, while the afternoon Abhijit muhurat runs from 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM. Evening prayers can be offered between 6:01 PM and 7:15 PM.

Puja Rituals and Fasting

Devotees should wake up early, bathe, wear clean clothes, and clean the worship area by sprinkling Gangajal. A clean cloth is placed on a wooden chowki to set up an image or idol of Lord Vishnu, followed by lighting a ghee lamp and offering incense, tulsi leaves, flowers, and naivedya. Worshippers chant the 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya' mantra, offer food to the deity, and perform aarti. Fasting individuals can keep either a fruit-based or waterless fast depending on their capacity.

Parana and Shraadh Details

According to the second source, this specific fast is observed to bring peace to ancestors' souls, free the devotee from sins, and provide relief from Pitru Dosh. The fast is broken, known as parana, on Wednesday, October 7, between 6:17 AM and 8:38 AM after bathing, worshipping Lord Vishnu, feeding Brahmans, and giving donations. This day is traditionally dedicated to performing shraadh for family members who passed away on an Ekadashi tithi across either the waxing or waning lunar fortnight.

Context

Pitru Paksha is a traditional fortnightly period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and paying respects to departed ancestors through specific prayers and food offerings. Ekadashi dates occur twice every lunar month, holding significant religious meaning for fasting and spiritual observances throughout the year.