Date and Time of the End of Yogini Ekadashi Fast in 2026: July 11 or 12

In Hinduism, the Ekadashi fast holds a special place, and Ekadashi during the Ashadha month in the waning phase is called Yogini Ekadashi. It is believed that this fast can destroy all sins and bring happiness and prosperity into life. According to ancient scriptures, observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast brings the same deserved blessing as feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins.

Dates and Auspicious Time

This year, Yogini Ekadashi will be celebrated on July 10th. The start of the Ekadashi date begins on July 9, 2026, at 09:31 AM, and concludes on the night of July 10th at 10:11 PM. The time for opening the fast (Paran) is scheduled for July 11th, from 05:40 AM to 08:24 AM.

Rituals of Celebrating Yogini Ekadashi

On the day of Ekadashi, one must wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean yellow clothing. After this, an oath is taken by holding water in the hands. Then, an image or statue of Lord Vishnu is placed on a spread-out yellow cloth in the prayer corner. Yellow flowers, akshat (whole rice grains), fruits, sandalwood, and offerings are presented to him. The presence of Tulsi leaves is mandatory when worshipping Vishnu, but it should be remembered that Tulsi leaves cannot be plucked on the day of Ekadashi, so they must be collected the day before, on Dashami.

After this, a ghee lamp is lit before Lord Vishnu, a story about Yogini Ekadashi is read or listened to, followed by chanting the Vishnu Sarasranama and concluding with Aarti. Sleeping is forbidden on the night of Ekadashi; instead, vigils are observed by engaging in kirtan or repeating mantras in the presence of divine chants. The next day, on Dwadashi, the fast is broken at an auspicious time. Before breaking the fast, it is necessary to feed and give charity to Brahmins or the needy.

Rules of Conduct on This Day

Since Lord Vishnu favors the color yellow, it is recommended to wear yellow-toned clothing and offer yellow items as gifts. It is also considered very beneficial to donate water, grains, umbrellas, or clothes. It is important to maintain complete purity of thoughts, words, and actions, following the principles of Brahmacharya.

History of Yogini Ekadashi

According to legend, there lived a gardener named Hem in the city of Alkapuri, which belonged to King Kubera. He used to bring flowers from Mansarovar daily to worship Shiva. However, being bound by his wife's love, he once forgot to bring the flowers on time. Enraged, Kubera cursed him, condemning him to suffer separation from his wife and turning him into a leper in the mortal world. Under the influence of this curse, Hem wandered and reached the ashram of the sage Markandeya. Hearing of his sorrow, the sage advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast in the month of Ashadha. Hem diligently observed this fast, due to which his leprosy completely disappeared, and he regained his divine appearance and union with his wife. Since then, it has been believed that observing this fast frees one from physical ailments and unintentional sins.

Yesta Pournima in 2026 is a very sacred and auspicious date in Hinduism. According to religious beliefs, this day is particularly favorable for worshipping the god Vishnu, the goddess Lakshmi, and the deity of the Moon.

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