Exact Date and Time Example
New Delhi, India
Apara Ekadashi 2026: Ekadashi begins on Tuesday afternoon, but the fast is on Wednesday because Tuesday sunrise had Dashami and Wednesday sunrise had Ekadashi.
| May 12 sunrise | Dashami is active at sunrise |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi begins | May 12, 2026 at 2:52 PM IST |
| May 13 sunrise | Ekadashi is active at sunrise |
| Fast date | May 13, 2026 in New Delhi |
Important: This is why "Ekadashi starts today" and "Ekadashi fast is tomorrow" can both be true.
Tithi start is not the same as observance date
A tithi is a lunar phase segment. It can begin in the morning, afternoon, evening, or night.
For many vrats, the observance date is chosen by the tithi present at sunrise, called Udaya Tithi in common calendar language.
So the start time tells you when the lunar tithi begins; the fast date tells you when to observe it.
Caveats That Change the Answer
City Caveat
If you travel overnight or compare calendars across countries, recheck the date for the city where you will actually observe the fast.
Tradition Caveat
Some traditions add arunodaya and Parana safeguards. Those rules can shift the final fasting date beyond the basic sunrise explanation.
FAQ
Should I start fasting as soon as Ekadashi tithi begins?
Most devotees prepare from Dashami and observe the listed Ekadashi fast date. The tithi start time is useful context, but the observance date is the practical guide.
Does the previous-day start make the calendar wrong?
No. It usually means the calendar is showing both the astronomical tithi span and the religious observance date.