Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comPapankusha Ekadashi 2026 on 22 October: Parana on the 23rd, 6:27 to 8:42 AM
The Papankusha Ekadashi fast is on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Break the fast (parana) on Friday, 23 October between 6:27 and 8:42 AM (New Delhi).
- Ekadashi tithi
- 2:11 PM, 21 October to 2:47 PM, 22 October
- Fast
- Thursday, 22 October
- Parana
- 23 October, 6:27 to 8:42 AM
- Dwadashi ends
- 23 October, 2:35 PM
Why the parana time matters
An Ekadashi fast is broken the next day while Dwadashi tithi still prevails. This time Dwadashi lasts until 2:35 PM on 23 October, and the best window for parana is 6:27 to 8:42 AM. Before breaking the fast, worship Vishnu and offer him food with a tulsi leaf.
Parana is not done in the first quarter of Dwadashi, called Harivasara, and breaking the fast at midday is also best avoided. This time Harivasara ends on the night of 22 October, so nothing stands in the way of a morning parana on the 23rd. If the morning window is missed for any reason, still break the fast before Dwadashi ends at 2:35 PM.
Why the fast is on the 22nd
Ekadashi tithi begins at 2:11 PM on 21 October, so some calendars show the 21st as well. But an Ekadashi fast is kept on the day when Ekadashi prevails at sunrise. At sunrise on 21 October it is still Dashami, while at sunrise on 22 October (6:26 AM) it is Ekadashi, so householders fast on the 22nd.
A goad on sin
This Ekadashi of Ashwin Shukla falls two days after Dussehra. An ankush is the goad used to control an elephant, and this fast is believed to restrain sin in the same way. On this day Vishnu is worshipped in his Padmanabha form.
In the Padma Purana, Krishna himself tells Yudhishthira its glory: the fruit that self-controlled sages win through long austerity comes on this day merely from bowing to the Lord who bears Garuda on his banner. One who keeps this fast uplifts ten generations each on the mother's, father's and wife's side, and one who gives gold, sesame, land, a cow, food, water, shoes and an umbrella on this day never sees Yama.
- Eat simple sattvic food from Dashami evening, and avoid rice on Ekadashi.
- Chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" on Ekadashi.
- Stay awake at night listening to the katha, and give in charity before the parana.
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Your questions
What if I can't keep a nirjala fast?
An Ekadashi fast can be kept without water, with water only, or with fruit and milk. Choose one according to your health, and follow your doctor's advice if you are unwell or on medication.
What should the fast be broken with?
With food first offered to God, with a tulsi leaf, taken as prasad. Many families take water or fruit first and then a simple sattvic meal.
Who is worshipped on Papankusha Ekadashi?
Vishnu in his Padmanabha form: the Vishnu from whose navel a lotus rose, with Brahma seated upon it.
Dates and times checked against Drik Panchang and our own panchang, for New Delhi.
