Devotees of Lord Vishnu across the country will observe Kamika Ekadashi on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Falling during the Krishna Paksha of the Shravan month, Kamika Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that observing the vrat with devotion helps devotees seek Lord Vishnu's blessings, attain spiritual progress, and wash away accumulated sins.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 1:59 PM on August 8 and conclude at 11:05 AM on August 9. Since the Ekadashi Tithi prevails during sunrise on August 9, the vrat will be observed on the same day.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026: Important Timings

As per Panchang timings (Ujjain, IST):

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: August 8, 2026 – 1:59 PM

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• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: August 9, 2026 – 11:05 AM

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• Hari Vasara Ends: August 9, 2026 – 4:19 PM

• Parana (Fast Breaking): August 10, 2026 – 6:05 AM to 8:01 AM

• Sunrise: 6:04 AM

• Sunset: 7:00 PM

Devotees observing the fast are advised to complete the Parana during the prescribed Muhurat on Dwadashi, after offering prayers and charity.

Why Kamika Ekadashi Is Significant

Kamika Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Sridhara form and is the first Ekadashi observed during the auspicious Chaturmas period. Hindu scriptures describe this vrat as highly meritorious, stating that sincere observance helps devotees overcome negative karma, attain inner peace, and move closer to spiritual liberation.

Religious texts also associate the observance of Kamika Ekadashi with relief from Pitru Dosha and the fulfillment of righteous desires. Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves is considered especially auspicious on this day.

Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The significance of Kamika Ekadashi is described in the Padma Purana, where Lord Krishna narrates its glory to King Yudhishthira. According to the scripture, observing the fast with devotion is equivalent to performing several sacred yajnas and undertaking major pilgrimages.

The Purana states that devotees who worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, maintain the fast, and remain engaged in prayers and devotional activities receive divine blessings and are freed from accumulated sins.

Rituals to Follow

On Kamika Ekadashi, devotees generally wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits, Tulsi leaves, incense, and lamps. Many perform Panchamrit Abhishek, recite Vishnu Sahasranama, chant "Om Namo Narayanaya", and observe a complete or partial fast depending on their health.

Keeping a night vigil (Jagran), singing bhajans, reading sacred scriptures, and offering donations to the needy are also considered auspicious practices associated with the vrat.

Parana on Dwadashi

The Ekadashi fast concludes on Monday, August 10, when devotees break the fast during the prescribed Parana period after completing worship and making charitable offerings. Religious scholars advise that the Parana should be performed within the specified Muhurat for the observance to be considered complete.

With millions of devotees expected to observe the vrat, temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu across the country are also likely to organise special pujas, bhajans and devotional programmes on the occasion.