Kamika Ekadashi 2026: Date, Puja Time, Vrat Rules, Parana Time & Significance

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 is an important Hindu fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is observed during the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Shravana month.

In 2026, Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Devotees observe this sacred day by fasting, worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting mantras, reading religious scriptures and following traditional Ekadashi rules.

If you are searching for Kamika Ekadashi 2026 date, puja time, vrat rules, Parana time, puja vidhi, significance and what to eat during the fast, this complete guide explains everything you need to know.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Date

Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

According to the Panchang calculation for Kolkata, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on August 8, 2026, at approximately 1:59 PM and ends on August 9, 2026, at approximately 11:04 AM.

Because Hindu religious dates are calculated according to the lunar calendar, the Ekadashi Tithi can begin on one calendar date and end on another. Therefore, the actual fasting date is determined according to the local sunrise and traditional observance rules.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Quick Details

Details	Information
Festival	Kamika Ekadashi
Year	2026
Date	August 9, 2026
Day	Sunday
Month	Shravana
Paksha	Krishna Paksha
Main Deity	Lord Vishnu
Ekadashi Tithi Begins	August 8, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	August 9, 2026
Parana Date	August 10, 2026

Exact timings can vary depending on the location, so devotees should check their local Panchang for precise timings.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Puja Time

There is no single universal puja time that applies to every location because sunrise, sunset and Tithi calculations differ from city to city.

Devotees can perform Lord Vishnu Puja after taking a bath in the morning and completing their daily routine. Many devotees prefer to perform their main worship during the morning hours.

The puja can also be performed according to the traditional practices followed by the family.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Puja Vidhi

The Kamika Ekadashi Puja can be performed at home using simple devotional practices.

1. Wake Up Early

Wake up early on Ekadashi and take a bath. Wear clean clothes and prepare a clean place for worship.

2. Prepare the Puja Area

Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu on a clean platform. If desired, you can also keep an image of Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Vishnu.

3. Light a Diya

Light a ghee or oil lamp in front of Lord Vishnu.

4. Offer Flowers and Tulsi

Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu according to your family tradition.

Tulsi is considered especially sacred in Vaishnava worship.

5. Offer Fruits and Other Puja Items

You may offer fruits, incense, water and other suitable items used in your family's regular Vishnu Puja.

6. Chant Vishnu Mantra

Devotees can chant:

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

You may repeat the mantra according to your ability and devotion.

7. Read Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Reading or listening to the traditional Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha is considered an important part of the observance.

8. Perform Aarti

Complete the puja by performing Aarti and offering your prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Vrat Rules

Ekadashi fasting rules can differ between families and religious traditions. Devotees should follow the practice appropriate to their tradition and personal circumstances.

Some common traditional rules include:

• Avoid rice and grains.

• Avoid meat, fish and eggs.

• Avoid alcohol and intoxicating substances.

• Many devotees avoid pulses and beans.

• Eat only permitted fasting foods if following a food-based fast.

• Spend time in prayer and meditation.

• Chant Lord Vishnu's name or mantra.

• Avoid unnecessary arguments and negative thoughts.

• Practice self-control and maintain a peaceful state of mind.

• Perform charity according to your ability.

The purpose of Ekadashi is not only to avoid food. It is traditionally considered a day for spiritual discipline, devotion and control of the senses.

What Can You Eat During Kamika Ekadashi?

Different Hindu traditions follow different food rules during Ekadashi.

Devotees who do not observe a complete fast may traditionally consume foods such as:

• Fruits

• Milk

• Curd

• Coconut

• Coconut water

• Nuts

• Makhana

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Rock salt

• Other foods permitted by their family tradition

Before eating any particular food, devotees following strict Ekadashi rules should check whether it is permitted according to their tradition.

What Should You Avoid on Kamika Ekadashi?

During Kamika Ekadashi, devotees traditionally avoid:

• Rice

• Wheat

• Regular grains

• Pulses, depending on tradition

• Meat

• Fish

• Eggs

• Alcohol

• Tobacco and intoxicants

• Heavy food

• Excessive eating

• Unnecessary anger and arguments

The main purpose is to keep the body and mind focused on devotion.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 Parana Time

Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast.

The fast is traditionally broken on Dwadashi, the day after Ekadashi, during the appropriate Parana period.

For Kolkata, Kamika Ekadashi Parana will be observed on Monday, August 10, 2026. The approximate Parana window is from 5:12 AM to 8:00 AM.

Since Parana timings depend on local sunrise and Panchang calculations, devotees living outside Kolkata should check the Parana time for their own location.

It is important not to assume that the Kolkata timing applies to every city.

How to Break the Kamika Ekadashi Fast

After completing the prescribed fasting period, devotees can break the fast with simple food.

A gentle approach is to:

1. Drink water.

2. Eat a light permitted food.

3. Avoid immediately eating a very heavy meal.

4. Gradually return to a normal diet.

People who are unable to safely fast should not force themselves to follow a strict fasting method.

Kamika Ekadashi Significance

Kamika Ekadashi is traditionally considered an important day for devotion to Lord Vishnu.

The observance combines fasting, prayer, self-discipline and spiritual reflection.

According to Hindu religious traditions, observing Ekadashi with sincere devotion is associated with spiritual purification and the removal of negative influences.

Devotees use the day to:

• Worship Lord Vishnu.

• Chant Vishnu mantras.

• Read religious scriptures.

• Listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

• Visit temples.

• Offer Tulsi leaves.

• Practice meditation.

• Perform charity.

• Control unnecessary desires and distractions.

The spiritual value of the day is traditionally connected with sincere devotion rather than simply completing a fasting ritual.

Lord Vishnu and Kamika Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu is the principal deity worshipped on Kamika Ekadashi.

Devotees may worship Vishnu in different forms, including Narayana, Krishna and Rama, according to their personal faith and family tradition.

Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, lamps and devotional prayers are commonly associated with Vishnu worship.

Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The traditional Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha describes the religious importance of observing this Ekadashi and remembering Lord Vishnu.

The story emphasizes devotion, repentance, spiritual discipline and the importance of sincerely following the Ekadashi observance.

Devotees traditionally read or listen to the Katha during the day as part of their spiritual practice.

Kamika Ekadashi Mantra

One of the most commonly used Vishnu mantras is:

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

Devotees may also chant the names of Lord Vishnu according to their personal tradition.

The main purpose of mantra chanting is to focus the mind on devotion and spiritual practice.

Charity on Kamika Ekadashi

Charity is an important practice associated with many Hindu religious observances.

On Kamika Ekadashi, devotees may donate according to their ability.

Some examples include:

• Food

• Fruits

• Clothes

• Educational materials

• Essential items

• Money to genuine charitable organizations

Charity should always be voluntary and within one's means.

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 FAQs

When is Kamika Ekadashi 2026?

Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

When does Kamika Ekadashi Tithi begin?

For Kolkata, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on August 8, 2026, at approximately 1:59 PM.

When does Kamika Ekadashi Tithi end?

For Kolkata, the Ekadashi Tithi ends on August 9, 2026, at approximately 11:04 AM.

When is Kamika Ekadashi Parana in 2026?

For Kolkata, the Parana is on Monday, August 10, 2026, approximately between 5:12 AM and 8:00 AM.

Which God is worshipped on Kamika Ekadashi?

Kamika Ekadashi is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Can we eat rice on Kamika Ekadashi?

Traditional Ekadashi fasting generally avoids rice and other grains. However, exact food restrictions can differ according to religious tradition.

Can we drink water during Kamika Ekadashi?

The type of fasting varies. Some devotees observe a strict fast, while others consume water, fruits or permitted fasting foods.

Can children fast on Kamika Ekadashi?

Children should generally not be forced to observe a strict fast. Parents can choose a simpler devotional practice appropriate for the child's age.

Can pregnant women observe Kamika Ekadashi fasting?

Pregnant women should avoid strict fasting unless their doctor considers it appropriate. Prayer and other forms of devotion can be followed without prolonged food restriction.

Conclusion

Kamika Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer, mantra chanting, Vishnu Puja, Tulsi worship and charity.

For Kolkata, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on August 8 and ends on August 9, while the Parana is observed on August 10.

Because Panchang timings can vary by location, readers should check the local Panchang before following exact fasting and Parana timings.

The most important aspect of Kamika Ekadashi is sincere devotion, self-discipline and remembrance of Lord Vishnu.