Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: 26 or 27 February? Know the Correct Date and Parana Time

Confused about Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 date? Find out whether it falls on 26 or 27 February and know the exact Parana time and spiritual significance.

Amalaki Ekadasi is an important fasting day, observed during the waxing fortnight of Phalguna (February/March), that honors Lord Vishnu and is recognized as a holy day based on the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry). On this day, devotees will partake in an austere fast and reverentially worship the Amla tree, performing puja with great sincerity in an effort to gain divine grace, fulfillment of their prayers and spiritual merit. 

When Is Amalaki Ekadashi?

• Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Thursday, February 27

• Parana (Fast Breaking) 2026: Saturday, February 28

• Parana Timings: 6:47 AM – 9:06 AM (as per Drik Panchang)

• Tradition: Typically, the fast of Ekadasi will culminate in breaking the fast upon the following Dwadashi Tithi (the next day) through the performance of specific rituals to benefit from the full effects of the fast.

Spiritual Significance of the Amla Tree

Lord Vishnu has a profound affection for the Amla tree and is represented in Hindu mythology through many different deities that make up the essence of the Amla tree. The roots of the tree are meant to represent Lord Vishnu, the trunk of the Amla tree represents Lord Shiva, and the top of the Amla tree represents Lord Brahma. Within the branches of the Amla tree, it is said that the Rishis and Devas (sages and Gods) live, within the leaves of the Amla tree live the Vasus (nature spirits), within the flowers of the Amla tree live the Maruts (winds) and within the fruits of the Amla tree live the Prajapati (clan of progenitors).

The Sanatangyan traditions place great importance on the spiritual merit generated from the acts performed in respecting the Amla tree. It is said that one who remembers the Amla tree has performed the same merit as a person who has donated a cow; that if one touches the Amla tree, he/she will receive double the merit of any good deed previously committed; and that consumption of the fruit of the Amla tree will yield three times the merit. The following is taken from the Padma Purana:

“आमलस्य द्राक्षां स्पृशने त्रिगुणं पुण्यं वर्धते।”

“Touching the Amla tree triples the spiritual merit.”

This highlights why sages, sadhu, and devotees in ancient times held the tree in the highest regard.

How to Observe Amalaki Ekadashi

Many rituals prescribed by religious texts (shastras) must be adhered to when celebrating Amalaki Ekadashi, including: Top of Form

• Clearing out & purifying any space set aside for prayers as well as using Ganga Jal to bless any area used to conduct devotional worship services. 

  
  

• Praying to the Lord of the Universe, Lord Vishnu, with great devotion while chanting mantras and following your guru (teacher/spiritual leader).

  
  

• Offer coriander prasad, Panchamrit, fruits, flowers, and sweets to the deity.

  
  

• Perform Aarti and seek forgiveness for any errors committed during worship.

  
  

• Being charitable (giving in accordance with one's ability/means) per the model of sanatangyan practices. 

After completing the fast, eating the prasad (blessed food) from out of the hands of the deity worshipped while not eating tamasic (eg. meat) foods would be your way to break a fast.

Parana, the act of breaking the fast, is performed after sunrise on Dwadashi Tithi, according to the shastras. Completing your Parana ( the breaking of your fast) within the required time frame so that you are able to satisfy the spiritual obligations you assumed upon fasting.

एकादशी तिथौ व्रतं भक्तानां पुण्यफलदायकम्। – Vishnu Dharma Shastra

“Observing Ekadashi Tithi brings spiritual merit to devotees.”  

If you celebrate Amalaki Ekadashi in the above manner, you would achieve not only spiritual growth, but you would also develop self-control and community spirit among those who worship the deity in the same manner.

Mythological Background and Symbolism

Amalaki Ekadashi is mentioned in multiple Puranas as a day when devotees can absolve themselves of sins and accumulate immense punya. The name of the day Rangbhari is meant to represent the abundance of life and energy that is produced by the Amla tree and its ability to bring us the blessings of all three gods at once by providing us with the fruit, the branches and the leaves of the tree.

As per the Bhagavata Shastra, it is said:

“व्रतमेकादशिनां तु श्रीविष्णोः प्रियतमम्।”

“The fast of Ekadashi is most dear to Lord Vishnu.”

Through observing this fast with devotion, whether it be through following a guru or through self-study of the shastras, one’s spiritual discipline will be enhanced, as well as developing one’s patience and purifying one’s mind. The Sanatangyan wisdom contained within these practices has been passed down throughout generations and teaches that both devotion and discipline will bring both worldly and spiritual rewards.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 will begin on 27 February and end on 28 February, when Parana occurs (from 6:47 AM - 9:06 AM). By practicing the shastras with complete devotion and pure intentions, devotees show respect for Lord Vishnu and for the Amla tree while obtaining both spiritual merit and inner discipline as well as receiving divine blessings from both.