NEW DELHI, INDIA | AUGUST 23, 2026 —
Putrada Ekadashi 2026 is being observed by millions of devotees on Sunday, August 23, with prayers and fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu. However, the Ekadashi Tithi extending into the early hours of August 24 has created confusion over whether the vrat should be observed on August 23 or August 24.
For most Smarta devotees, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi falls on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Some Vaishnava traditions may observe the fast on Monday, August 24, depending on their sampradaya and sunrise-based Ekadashi rules.
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at approximately 2:00 AM on August 23 and ends around 4:19 AM on August 24. New Delhi Panchang calculations place the main Putrada Ekadashi observance on August 23.
Putrada Ekadashi 2026: August 23 or August 24?
This is the biggest question among devotees this year.
The answer depends partly on tradition.
For the general Smarta observance, Putrada Ekadashi is on August 23, Sunday.
Because Ekadashi Tithi continues until the early morning of August 24, certain Vaishnava calendars may follow a different fasting rule and observe Vaishnava Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on August 24.
Devotees who regularly follow a particular temple, guru or Vaishnava tradition should follow the calendar prescribed by that tradition.
For most households following the standard Hindu Panchang in India, however, August 23 is the principal fasting date.
Putrada Ekadashi 2026 Date and Tithi
Putrada Ekadashi: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: Approximately 2:00 AM on August 23
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: Approximately 4:19 AM on August 24
Vaishnava Putrada Ekadashi: Monday, August 24 in traditions following the separate Vaishnava observance
Timings can vary slightly depending on location and Panchang method.
Putrada Ekadashi Parana Time
Parana means formally breaking the Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi.
For New Delhi, one Panchang calculation gives the recommended Putrada Ekadashi Parana period on Monday, August 24, from approximately 1:41 PM to 4:16 PM.
Hari Vasara ends at approximately 10:51 AM, and devotees traditionally avoid breaking the fast during Hari Vasara.
Since Parana timings vary by city, devotees outside Delhi should check their local Panchang before ending the fast.
What Is Shravana Putrada Ekadashi?
Putrada Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Shravana.
The observance is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally associated with prayers for children, family well-being, prosperity and continuation of the family lineage.
The Sanskrit word “Putrada” traditionally means “giver of a son.” In modern devotional practice, many families observe the day more broadly to pray for the health, happiness, protection and progress of children.
It is also known in some traditions as Pavitra Ekadashi or Pavitropana Ekadashi.
Why Is Putrada Ekadashi Considered Important?
Like other Ekadashis, the day is associated with devotion to Lord Vishnu, fasting, self-discipline and spiritual reflection.
Traditional belief holds that observing the vrat with sincerity brings Lord Vishnu’s blessings and helps devotees pray for family happiness and the well-being of their children.
The religious significance of the fast comes from the traditional story of King Mahijit, who is described as a righteous ruler who had no child.
According to the vrat tradition, after seeking guidance from sages, a Putrada Ekadashi fast was observed with devotion, after which the king was blessed with a child.
The story is traditionally read or heard during Putrada Ekadashi worship.
Putrada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Devotees traditionally begin the day early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
A simple worship routine may include:
- Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu.
- Light a ghee lamp.
- Offer flowers, fruits and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
- Offer water and other traditional puja items according to family custom.
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
- Recite or listen to the Putrada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Perform Vishnu Aarti.
- Spend time in prayer, bhajan or spiritual reading.
- Donate food or essential items to people in need.
- Break the fast only during the appropriate Dwadashi Parana period.
Tulsi has a particularly important place in traditional Vishnu worship.
What Can You Eat During Putrada Ekadashi Fast?
Fasting practices vary between families.
Some devotees observe a Nirjala fast, consuming neither food nor water. This is physically demanding and should only be attempted by people who can safely do so.
Others follow a Phalahar vrat, consuming fruits, milk, nuts and permitted fasting foods.
Common vrat foods may include:
- Fruits
- Milk and dairy products
- Nuts
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Singhara
- Sabudana
- Rock salt or Sendha Namak
Traditional Ekadashi practice avoids ordinary grains and cereals.
Also Read: Why Rice Is Avoided on Ekadashi
Rice is one of the foods most commonly avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
Readers who want to understand the religious tradition and popular explanations behind the rule can read:
Also Read: Why You Should Never Eat Rice on Ekadashi: Religious Beliefs and Traditional Reasons
What Should Be Avoided on Putrada Ekadashi?
Traditional fasting rules generally advise devotees to avoid:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Regular flour
- Lentils and pulses
- Ordinary grains and cereals
- Onion and garlic in stricter vrat traditions
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Non-vegetarian food
Beyond food restrictions, Ekadashi tradition also emphasizes control over anger, harsh speech and negative behavior.
Fasting is therefore understood not only as dietary restraint but also as a day of mental and spiritual discipline.
Putrada Ekadashi Daan: What Can Be Donated?
Charity is considered an important part of Ekadashi observance.
Depending on personal capacity, devotees may donate:
- Fruits
- Clothes
- Food
- Milk
- Religious books
- Essential household supplies
- Money for charitable purposes
Rather than focusing only on ritual value, helping a genuinely needy person can make the observance more meaningful.
Putrada Ekadashi Comes Ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima
This year’s Putrada Ekadashi also falls during an important religious period leading toward Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Families preparing for the upcoming festival can check the correct Rakhi date, Bhadra period and auspicious timings here:
Also Read: Raksha Bandhan 2026: Correct Date, Rakhi Muhurat and Bhadra Timing
Shravana Purnima itself carries major religious significance for bathing, charity, worship and other traditional observances.
Also Read: Sawan Purnima 2026: Date, Snan-Daan Muhurat and Religious Significance
Together, these observances make the final days of Shravana particularly important in the Hindu religious calendar.
Can Pregnant Women or People With Medical Conditions Keep the Fast?
Religious fasting should not come at the expense of health.
Pregnant women, elderly people, children, people taking regular medication and anyone with a medical condition should avoid extreme fasting unless it is medically safe.
A simplified devotional observance, prayer or sattvic diet may be more appropriate.
Religious devotion does not require someone to put their health at risk.
Putrada Ekadashi 2026: Key Takeaways
For most devotees, Shravana Putrada Ekadashi is being observed today, Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The Ekadashi Tithi lasts from around 2:00 AM today until approximately 4:19 AM on August 24.
Some Vaishnava traditions may observe the fast on August 24, so devotees following a particular sampradaya should check their temple or local Panchang.
The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally associated with prayers for children, family happiness and spiritual well-being.
The most important elements of the observance remain faith, discipline, prayer, charity and compassion.
