HinduLab
HinduLab
Ekadashi date confusion guide with lunar calendar, sunrise marker, and Vishnu-inspired ritual details

Ekadashi Dates

Which Ekadashi Date Is Correct?

City, tithi, tradition, and Parana explained

Fast answers for the moments when one calendar says one date, another calendar says another date, and you just need to know what to do.

Yearly CalendarMay 2026 Example

Next Ekadashi

Padmini Ekadashi

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 for New Delhi

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Quick Answers

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Date Check

May 12 or May 13, 2026?

For New Delhi, Apara Ekadashi is observed on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The Ekadashi tithi begins on May 12, but it is present at sunrise on May 13, so the fasting date moves to May 13 for this city.

Read answerDate Check

Nirjala dates differ

Nirjala Ekadashi can appear on different dates because it follows the local sunrise-based Ekadashi rule, not a fixed Gregorian date. City, timezone, and tradition rules can all move the printed observance date.

Read answerTradition

Smarta vs Vaishnava

Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ because they can apply different sunrise and purity checkpoints. Vaishnava calendars are often stricter about avoiding Dashami influence around arunodaya and preserving proper Dwadashi Parana.

Read answerRule

Tithi starts previous day

The fast can happen the day after the tithi starts because Hindu observance dates usually depend on the tithi at local sunrise. A tithi may begin the previous afternoon, but the fast is observed the next morning if that is when Ekadashi is present at sunrise.

Read answerRule

Udaya Tithi

Udaya Tithi means the tithi prevailing at local sunrise. For many Hindu observances, including many Ekadashi date checks, the tithi at sunrise carries the civil date.

Read answerParana

Hari Vasara

Hari Vasara is the early part of Dwadashi tithi after Ekadashi. Ekadashi Parana is generally avoided during Hari Vasara, so devotees wait until it has passed and then break the fast within the prescribed window.

Read answerRule

Tithi starts after sunrise

If Ekadashi tithi starts after sunrise, that civil day often does not become the Ekadashi fast date. If Ekadashi is present at the next sunrise, the fast is usually observed on the next day.

Read answerParana

Parana after listed time

Parana should be done within the listed local window. If the listed Parana time has passed, avoid treating a late break as ideal; follow your family or temple guidance, especially if Dwadashi has ended.

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Why Ekadashi Dates Feel Confusing

Most confusion comes from mixing three different things: the tithi start time, the local sunrise date, and the tradition followed by the calendar. Ekadashi can begin on one civil date and be observed on the next because the fasting date is commonly tied to the tithi present at sunrise.

These pages use exact examples, then show the rule behind the answer. They also keep the two caveats that matter most: your city can change the date, and your tradition can change the date.

Tithi Is Lunar

It can start at any clock time, not just midnight.

Sunrise Is Local

The same tithi can meet sunrise differently in each city.

Tradition Matters

Smarta and Vaishnava calendars may apply different safeguards.