Kamika Ekadashi 2026: Date, Significance & Rituals
Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This sacred Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Shravan month and is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu.
Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Date & Timings
- Ekadashi tithi starts at 1:59 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Ekadashi tithi ends at 11:04 AM on Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Parana (fast-breaking): Monday, August 10, 2026
- Parana time is from 5:47 AM to 8:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026
- Dwadashi ends at 8:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026
Kamika Ekadashi Significance
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana describes the greatness of Kamika Ekadashi in a conversation between Bhagwan Shri Krishna and King Yudhishthira. Bhagwan Krishna explains that observing this vrat with faith brings immense spiritual merit and helps a devotee move closer to moksha and ultimately attain Vishnu-Loka (Vaikuntha).
Apart from this, Kamika Ekadashi falls during the holy month of Shravan, a time already filled with devotion and spiritual practices. While the vrat is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu, many devotees also worship Bhagwan Shiva because Shravan is his sacred month. In this way, devotees get the opportunity to seek the blessings of both Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiva on the same day. Devotees believe that observing this vrat with a pure heart removes the burden of past mistakes and brings peace of mind.
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha
There was once a man who was extremely physically strong but short-tempered and filled with rage. One day, he quarreled with a Brahmin, and, due to his rage, murdered him. This was considered a grave sin, especially because killing a Brahmin was regarded as one of the greatest sins.
The man was desperate to do something to cleanse himself of this sin. He sought out a sage and asked what he could do to free himself from this sin. The sage advised the man to perform the Kamika Ekadashi vrat and pray to Bhagwan Vishnu sincerely. The man observed the vrat completely and prayed to Sridhar Vishnu with devotion and faith. His sins were cleansed.
It should be noted that this story does not in any way indicate that it is easy to wash away sins. This story only shows that when a person's repentance is real, Bhagwan's grace can still reach them.
What Devotees Do on Kamika Ekadashi?
On Kamika Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the vrat. Many keep a strict fast, while some consume only fruits, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat.
Throughout the day, devotees worship Bhagwan Vishnu with flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, and diyas. Many spend time chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” reading Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Bhagwan Vishnu), or listening to Shri Hari bhajans with devotion.
Many devotees also stay awake at night and spend time in prayer, bhakti, and meditation. In the spirit of devotion, many Sanatanis also offer food, clothes, and other essentials to Brahmins and the needy as seva to Shri Hari.
Kamika Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Follow the below-mentioned steps to worship Bhagwan Vishnu on Kamika Ekadashi:
- Wake up early
- Add a few drops of Ganga Jal to the water and take a bath
- Prepare and clean the puja area
- Place an image or idol of Bhagwan Vishnu
- Take a sankalp (vow) to observe the vrat
- Light a ghee diya and offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets at Shri Hari's charan
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or recite “Vishnu Sahasranama”
- Pray to Shri Hari for peace and prosperity
- End the puja with aarti and charity
- Break the fast during the prescribed Parana time after offering prayers to Bhagwan Vishnu
FAQs
Is it necessary to keep Nirjala fast on Kamika Ekadashi?
No. You can observe the vrat according to your health and ability.
At what time can I break the Kamika Ekadashi vrat?
You can break the fast between 5:47 AM to 8:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026.
What foods are allowed during the Kamika Ekadashi vrat?
You can eat fruits, milk, curd, dry fruits, sabudana, singhara atta, and dishes prepared with sendha namak. Grains, rice, pulses, onion, and garlic should be avoided.
What colour clothes are commonly worn on Kamika Ekadashi?
Devotees commonly wear yellow colored clothes.
What should devotees do if they accidentally break the fast?
It happens sometimes, so there is need to be worried. Pray to Bhagwan Vishnu with devotion and ask for his forgiveness, and complete the day with devotion.
How can I prepare for Kamika Ekadashi?
Prepare by arranging essential puja items like Tulsi leaves, incense, Ganga Jal, etc., in advance.