Papamochani Ekadashi 2026: Is the Fast on March 14 or 15? Know the Correct Date

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One of the most sacred observances of Ekadashi is Papamochani Ekadashi, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The festival is observed by followers to seek forgiveness for their past mistakes. The festival is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. The day is observed as the last Ekadashi before the beginning of the Hindu New Year festivals like Ugadi.

However every year, a large number of devotees are confused over the right day to fast on as the Ekadashi Tithi falls on two consecutive days. In the year 2026, the Tithi falls on the 14th of March and ends on the 15th. This gives rise to the question of whether to fast on the 14th or the 15th.

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Papamochani Ekadashi 2026: Correct Date

In 2026, Papamochani Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, March 15.

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 14 March 2026 at around 8:10 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 15 March 2026 at around 9:16 AM

According to the 'Udaya Tithi' rule, which is commonly used in Hindu calendars, the fast is kept on the day when the Ekadashi tithi is present during sunrise. Since the tithi continues during sunrise on March 15, devotees keep the fast on that day.

Parana Time (Breaking the Fast)

The Ekadashi fast is usually broken the next day during Dwadashi.

• Parana Date: 16 March 2026
• Parana Time: Approximately 6:30 AM - 8:54 AM (may vary slightly by location)

Significance of Papamochani Ekadashi

The word "Papamochani" literally means "the one that removes sins." According to Hindu belief, observing this vrat with devotion helps cleanse past karmas and brings spiritual progress. Devotees spend the day praying to Lord Vishnu, reading sacred texts, chanting mantras, and practising self-discipline through fasting.

Many devotees follow a phalahar vrat, consuming fruits, milk, and sattvic foods while avoiding grains, beans, onion, and garlic.

Simple Fasting Rules Devotees Follow

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• Wake up early and take a ritual bath
• Offer prayers and flowers to Lord Vishnu
• Observe a fruit-based or water fast
• Avoid grains and heavy foods
• Read or listen to the Papamochani Ekadashi vrat katha
• Break the fast on Dwadashi during the prescribed parana time

Bottomline

While the Ekadashi tithi starts from March 14th, the Papamochani Ekadashi fast in 2026 should be observed on March 15th since the tithi is present during sunrise.