Jaya Ekadashi 2026 which is just here is one of the most sacred and pious days and Vrats as per the sacred Hindu Panchang. Jaya Ekadashi is observed on the Eleventh day which is called Ekadashi in Hindi and Sanskrit in the Shukla Paksha of the sacred Magha month.
Shukla Paksha is the waxing moon phase where the moon transforms from a new moon to a full moon phase, and this phase is a very notified and special time for practicing spiritual discipline and worshipping the revered Lord Vishnu. This year Jaya Ekadashi 2026 is falling on 29th January 2026 which is a thursday.
The Mythology behind Jaya Ekadashi 2026 and its Spiritual Significance
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 and all other Ekadashi are Hindu observances which are devoted to Bhagwan Vishnu or Lord Vishnu. Bhagwan Vishnu is one God amongst the three Gods of the Hindu Trinity. On Jaya Ekadashi Lord Vishnu in unison with Lord Shri Krishna is worshipped. It is worthwhile to mention here that Lord Krishna is one of the most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Doing Fast on Jaya Ekadashi 2016 is said to:
- Cleans and erases one’s previous Karmic debts and sins from this birth and previous birth
- Harmony, Shanti, calm, tranquility, health, wealth and inner awakening is achieved.
- Dreams and wishes are granted and life becomes easier by transcending barriers in the path of faith and dedication.
- Cleanses body, mind and soul which takes you closer to mental clarity and divinity.
The mythological saga about Jaya Ekadashi stresses and notifies everyone about the importance of unwavering faith and dedication and the benefits of fasting or Vrat which takes you closer to the Ultimate liberation and salvation or Moksha. This Vrat also clears you from your previous birth’s Karmic sins.
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 : Date and Shubh Muhurat (Jaya Ekadashi Kab Hai)
| Jaya Ekadashi Date as per Udya Tithi | 29 January, 2026 |
| Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Start Date | 28 January evening |
| Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Main Date | 29 January Afternoon |
| Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Tithi Start Time | 4.35 pm on 28th January, 2026 |
| Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Tithi End Time | 1.55 pm on 29th January, 2026 |
| Ekadashi Vrat Parana Time | 7:10 AM to 9:20 AM on 30th January 2026 |
How to Observe Jaya Ekadashi: Traditions, Rituals and Customs
1. Pre-Ekadashi Preparations
- Jaya Ekadashi preparations start a day before.
- Wake up at dawn and bath by sprinkling some drops of GangaJal in bath water.
- Clean the Puja altar or place of worship.
- Place idols or photos of Lord Vishnu and Krishna
2. Fasting and Worship
- Traditionally devotees do a Nirjala Vrat or a fast without food and water.
- If it is not possible to observe Nirjala Vrat, Phalahari or jalahari fast or Vrat can also be done where one can consume fruits and water but no grains and salt.
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and the Shri Krishna Maha Mantra should continuously be recited full day on Ekadashi.
- Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Vishnu Sahasranama and other mythological sagas and tales should be read.
- Ghee Diyas or earthen ghee lamps should be lighted in front of Bhagwan.
- Offer flowers or pushp, tulsi leaves or holy basil and home made prasad to the Gods.
3. Breaking the Fast (Parana)
- Parana which is breaking the fast should be done on Dwadashi or the next day as per Udya tithi of Ekadashi. Do follow the above provided Parana Time for best benefits.
- Prepare simple meal and before consuming it do offer it to Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna and then to elders of the household.
- Then consume it yourself.
Dos and Don’ts on Jaya Ekadashi 2026
Following is the list of Dos or what should be done on the day Of Jaya Ekadashi 2026:
- Wake up at dawn before sunrise for cleansing yourself.
- Clean not only the place of worship but also the whole house.
- Recite Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna’s mantras and Shloks
- Chant mantras and read sacred texts.
- Think only good and positive things throughout the day.
- Do charitable acts and donate 7 types of grains, yellow clothes or peele vastra, jaggery or gur and empathetic deeds.
Following is the list of Dont’s or what should not be done on Jaya Ekadashi :
- Do not eat graains if you are practicing Vrat. If you are having food on that day, do not consume Rice or Chawal on Ekadashi.
- Do not eat any kind of non-vegetarian or tamsi food like eggs, meat, fish, etc.
- Do not eat garlic, onions etc.
- Do not indulge in emotions like anger, anxiety, jealousy, lust and physical pleasures.
- Do not break, cut or pluck Tulsi leaves or Holy Basil on Ekadashi or Dwadashi
- Following the Tithi and Parana timings.
What to Eat and also what to avoid eating on Jaya Ekadashi 2026 (Ekadashi pe kya khaye)
If any devotee is doing Nirjala Vrat or full fast on Jaya Ekadashi do not eat or thinkabout food and water and have only positive, religious thoughts during the day.
If you are observing Falahari Vrat , following is the list of foods that can be consumed:
- Fruits or Fal
- Mild, doodh, Curd, Yogurt, Dahi,
- Potatoes or Aloo
- Sweet Potatoes or Shakarkandi
- Gajar or carrot, Kheera or Cucumber, Beetroot or Chukundar
- Dry fruits like kaju or cashew, kishmish or raisins
- Honey (Shahad) and jaggery or gur can also be added for adding some sweet factor
List of foods to strictly avoid on Ekadashi:
- Grains and especially Rice or Chawal
- Dal or lentils like Rajma, chhole
- Onion, Garlic, Spices
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes,
- Meat, Fish and Eggs
Final Thoughts
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 is not just a day of Vrat but it is ceremony in itself because of the meaning it carries with it. On this day, devotees show unwavering faith and dedication to Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna which take them closer to the divinity and also brings them nearer to Moksha and spiritual affirmations.
Whether you observe a strict fast or a partial one, the true essence lies in devotion, discipline, and purity of thought. Jaya Ekadashi blesses the devotees with forgiveness, inner sanctification, Salvation, Ultimate Liberation, Peace and Finally Moksha, just remember have full Faith in Bhagwan.