Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting Essentials List 2026: The Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on Thursday, June 25. This festival is celebrated annually on the *Ekadashi* (eleventh day) of the waxing phase of the moon (*Shukla Paksha*) in the month of *Jyeshtha*. Nirjala Ekadashi is considered a highly significant (*Badi*) Ekadashi; observing this fast with the prescribed rituals yields the spiritual merit equivalent to observing all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year.

According to ancient legends, during the era of the Mahabharata, Bhimasena found it difficult to fast without food and water. Sage Vedavyasa then advised him to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast. Since then, it has also been known as 'Bhimaseni Ekadashi.' It is believed that observing this fast with devotion and adherence to the rules washes away sins and invokes the special blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Let us look at the list of items required for the Nirjala Ekadashi puja...

Significance of the Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
Religious scriptures state that the Nirjala Ekadashi fast brings happiness, prosperity, and spiritual growth into a person's life. Remembering Lord Vishnu, chanting mantras, and performing acts of charity on this day paves the way for *Moksha* (salvation). It is believed that devotees who observe this fast are liberated from the fear of Yama (the God of Death) and attain *Vishnuloka* (the abode of Lord Vishnu) after death. Abstaining from water during the summer heat while fasting is considered a symbol of self-restraint and firm resolve. However, the elderly, the sick, and pregnant women should observe the fast according to their physical capacity.

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Materials List
Image or idol of Lord Vishnu (Sri Hari)
Yellow cloth
Yellow flowers
Tulsi leaves
Sandalwood paste
Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
Incense and a lamp (diya)
Ghee
Panchamrit
Mauli (sacred red thread)
Coconut
Seasonal fruits
Bananas
Sweets or *Panchmeva* (mix of five dry fruits)
Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges)
Conch shell (Shankh)
Camphor (Kapur)
Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita
Items for charity: a water-filled *Kalash* (pot), umbrella, clothes, fruits, and *Dakshina* (offering/donation)

Nirjala Ekadashi Fast 2026
Start of Ekadashi Tithi: June 24, at 6:12 PM
End of Ekadashi Tithi: June 25, at 8:09 PM
Based on *Udaya Tithi* (sunrise timing), the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on Thursday, June 25.

Paran (fast-breaking) time: June 26, from 5:25 AM to 8:13 AM

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Rituals 2026
On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Afterward, purify the place of worship and install the idol of Lord Vishnu. Offer yellow cloth, sandalwood paste, flowers, and Tulsi leaves to Sri Hari.

Light incense and a lamp, then recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or the Bhagavad Gita, or chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya." At the end of the puja, perform the *Aarti* of Lord Vishnu and pray for the happiness and prosperity of your family. Conclude the fast the next day during the *Dwadashi Tithi* by performing the *Paran* ritual according to scriptural guidelines. It is a religious belief that observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast with devotion and adherence to the rules brings happiness, peace, and spiritual merit to one's life.

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