Amalaki Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The observance is dedicated to the amla or Indian gooseberry tree and is celebrated across many regions of India. Devotees preparing for Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 plan temple visits, community pujas and fasts; local calendars may show slight variations in date and timing depending on geographic location and sunrise calculations.
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When is Amalaki Ekadashi?
According to DrikPanchang’s New Delhi calendar, Amalaki Ekadashi in 2026 falls on 27 February 2026 (Friday). For New Delhi the Ekadashi tithi is listed as beginning at 00:33 on 27 February 2026 and ending at 22:32 on 27 February 2026. Readers should note that tithi start and end times vary with longitude and local sunrise; consult a reliable local panchang or temple noticeboard for precise timings in your area.
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
Parana — the ritual breaking of the fast — is customarily performed during the Dwadasi (twelfth lunar day) in an auspicious muhurta. DrikPanchang indicates a typical parana window for observers in New Delhi on 28 February 2026, approximately between 06:47 and 09:06. Traditions and institutional practices (for example, ISKCON or local temple conventions) may offer slightly different guidance; devotees should follow the advice of their temple or family priest when available.
Amalaki Ekadashi Significance
Religious scholars and priests describe Amalaki Ekadashi as an important observance within Vaishnava practice. Classical accounts and village traditions associate the amla tree with Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi; the tree’s leaves, fruit and trunk are viewed as sanctified and purifying.
The festival’s significance is both devotional and practical. Worship of the amla tree is believed to accrue merit, absolve sins and invite blessings for health and prosperity. In several regions the observance also marks the ceremonial start of Holi festivities, linking seasonal ritual with community celebration.
Practical Notes on Parana and Local Practice
- Parana should be performed within the Dwadasi tithi and in a locally auspicious muhurta; specific rules differ by community.
- If Ekadashi ends in the early morning, many priests advise performing parana after the morning muhurta specified in the local panchang.
- Institutional bodies such as ISKCON maintain their own timetables and may advise different parana windows; consult these sources if you follow such a tradition.
Auspicious Muhurtas for Puja
The selection of a muhurta for puja is governed by local calendrical practice. Morning hours after sunrise to early afternoon are generally considered favourable for the day’s rituals. DrikPanchang publishes daily muhurta tables (Brahma Muhurta, Abhijit, Vijay etc.) that can be consulted for exact timings relative to one’s city.
How the Day is Observed — Ritual Practice
The following describes the commonly observed sequence of rituals in neutral, reportorial terms:
- Purification and bath: Observers typically begin the day with a ritual bath.
- Mantra and worship: Recitation of Vishnu mantras and the vrata katha (the traditionally told story associated with the fast).
- Tree worship: The amla tree is watered, flowers and offerings are placed at its base, and a protective thread is sometimes tied around the trunk.
- Charity and community: Distribution of food to the needy and offerings to temple priests reflect the social aspect of the observance.
- Prasad and parana: Prasad is preserved until the appointed parana time and shared according to local custom.
Rules and Restrictions
Rules for fasting are determined by tradition, health and individual capacity: many communities prohibit meat during the fast; some practitioners observe nirjala (no water) fasts, while others permit fruit-and-milk or a single simple meal. Pregnant women, the elderly and the infirm are typically advised to seek guidance and often receive exemptions.
आमलकी एकादशी 2026: महत्व, तिथि, पूजा-विधि और परंपराएँ
