Aja Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu

Hindu

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The eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, dedicated to fasting and devotion to Vishnu

Dates 2026–2027

September 7, 2026August 28, 2027

Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya — I surrender to Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu), who dwells in all beings

Foods Allowed

Fruits of all kindsBanana chips (made with sendha namak and ghee/coconut oil)All fresh fruits — including banana, apple, mango, papaya, pomegranate, grapes, pear, chikoo, guava, watermelon, orange, and seasonal fruitsMilk, curd, gheeSabudana (tapioca)Kuttu atta (buckwheat flour)Singhara atta (water chestnut flour)Potatoes and sweet potatoesRock salt (sendha namak)Nuts and dry fruitsAmaranth (rajgira)

Foods to Avoid

Rice and wheatLentils and beansOnion and garlicRegular table saltMeat and eggsAlcohol

Meal Idea

Rajgira halwa with jaggery and ghee — warming and sweet

What distinguishes Aja Ekadashi?

Aja Ekadashi is associated with King Harishchandra, whose commitment to truth is tested through profound hardship. The named narrative gives this observance a distinct ethical focus: integrity and perseverance even when circumstances are difficult. It is not the same story as Jaya or Yogini Ekadashi. Reading the individual account can complement Vishnu worship and charity without reducing the day to a promised reward for abstaining from food.

Traditional accounts: Drik Panchang's Ekadashi katha collection

Deity and devotional focus

Lord Vishnu

Meal ideas for this occurrence

The catalog's permitted-meal idea for Aja Ekadashi is: Rajgira halwa with jaggery and ghee — warming and sweet

September: A transition-season meal can be planned around the catalog's existing permitted dish and a small fruit serving. The seasonal suggestion is practical, not a prescribed ritual offering or a substitute for community guidance.

August: For a late-monsoon serving, a modest freshly prepared dish can accompany the household's devotional practice. Check the permitted ingredients rather than assuming that every temple or festival dish fits this vow.

These are optional permitted-meal ideas, not new fasting rules. Keep the original allowed and avoided foods and follow your tradition's time for ending the fast.

Calendar context

This page's recorded occurrences are 2026-09-07 (Monday); 2027-08-28 (Saturday). The name Aja Ekadashi identifies this observance; it is not an instruction to repeat the same civil date every year.

Civil dates are calendar references; the applicable tithi, local observance rule and community calendar determine the practice. The selected location can change the displayed day.

Read the shared family story and aarti

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Mohini Ekadashi — April 27, 2026Same tradition and category
Kamika Ekadashi — August 9, 2026Same tradition and category
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi — August 23, 2026Same tradition and category
Utpanna Ekadashi — December 4, 2026Same tradition and category
Mokshada Ekadashi (Vaikuntha Ekadashi) — December 20, 2026Same tradition and category

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Get a reminder before the next Aja Ekadashi

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