Quick Overview
| Festival Name | Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi) |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Devotthan Ekadashi, Devutthana Ekadashi, Hariprabodhini Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, Thulo Ekadashi (Nepal) |
| English Name | Dev Uthani Ekadashi / Prabodhini Ekadashi |
| Religion | Hinduism, especially the Vaishnava tradition |
| Hindu Month | Kartika |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Ekadashi |
| Vrat Date (Smarta) | November 20, 2026 (Friday) |
| Vrat Date (Vaishnava/Gauna) | November 21, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | November 20, 2026, 07:15 AM IST |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | November 21, 2026, 06:31 AM IST |
| Parana (Smarta) | November 21, 2026, 01:11 PM–03:18 PM IST |
| Parana (Vaishnava/Gauna) | November 22, 2026, 06:49 AM–08:56 AM IST |
| Tulsi Vivah | November 21, 2026 (Saturday, Dwadashi, evening) |
| Principal Deities | Lord Vishnu and Mother Tulsi |
| Purpose of Worship | Awakening of Lord Vishnu, end of Chaturmas, and resumption of auspicious ceremonies |
| Special Significance | Weddings, housewarmings, mundan and other auspicious ceremonies traditionally resume after Chaturmas |
| Total Ekadashis in 2026 | 24 (because of Adhik Maas; normally 23) |
Origin Story — Chaturmas and Vishnu's Yogic Sleep
On Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi), Lord Vishnu is traditionally said to enter Yogic Sleep on Sheshnag in the Kshirsagar. According to the traditional story, in his Vamana incarnation Lord Vishnu asked King Bali for the three worlds. Pleased by Bali's devotion and generosity, Vishnu returned the kingdom of Patala to him and promised to remain as a guardian at Bali's doorway for four months of the year. These four months are called Chaturmas.
During Chaturmas, auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, housewarmings, mundan and Upanayana are traditionally avoided because Vishnu, the preserver, is considered to be resting. On Kartika Shukla Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from this Yogic Sleep, which is why the day is called Prabodhini (awakening) Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi. This marks the traditional end of Chaturmas and the resumption of auspicious ceremonies.
The Dev-Jagran Tradition — “Utho Dev, Baitho Dev”
In the evening, women in homes and villages traditionally light lamps, ring bells and blow conches while singing awakening songs for Lord Vishnu. The tradition expresses the feeling of awakening a revered guest after a long sleep. Footprints of Vishnu (Paglya) may also be drawn from the main entrance to the worship area using rice flour or turmeric-lime, symbolically welcoming the Lord into the home.
The Tulsi–Shaligram Vivah Story — Vrinda's Devotion and the Boon
According to a traditional Puranic story, Vrinda, a deeply devoted and chaste woman, was the wife of the demon king Jalandhara. The power of her devotion made Jalandhara difficult for the gods to defeat. When the conflict continued, Vishnu, at the gods' request, took Jalandhara's form and approached Vrinda; her protective vow was thereby broken, and Jalandhara was then defeated in battle.
After learning the truth, Vrinda became deeply distressed and cursed Vishnu to become stone. This curse is traditionally associated with Vishnu's Shaligram form. Vrinda then gave herself to the fire, and the sacred plant that arose from her ashes became Tulsi. Pleased by Vrinda's devotion, Vishnu promised to marry Tulsi every year in his Shaligram form. This union is commemorated as Tulsi Vivah on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Dwadashi.
Puja Time and Procedure
Dev Uthani Ekadashi worship begins with a morning bath and vrat sankalpa and concludes with evening Tulsi Vivah and Jagran. Women of the household often lead the ritual, while all family members may participate.
- Before sunrise, bathe, wear clean yellow or white clothes, and take a vow to observe the fast before Lord Vishnu.
- Observe a strict or fruit-based fast according to your tradition; grains, rice and pulses are traditionally avoided.
- Draw Lord Vishnu's footprints (Paglya) from the main entrance to the worship area using rice flour or turmeric-lime.
- After sunset, decorate the Tulsi altar with geru and rice flour and prepare a small mandap using sugarcane and amla branches.
- Dress Tulsi like a bride with a red chunari, bangles, sindoor and ornaments; place Shaligram or a Vishnu image as the groom.
- With conch and bell sounds and lit lamps, perform Tulsi–Shaligram Vivah with the customary wedding rituals, including symbolic Kanyadan.
- Offer seasonal items such as sugarcane, water chestnut, guava, amla, ber and sweet potato.
- Spend the night in devotional singing and complete the fast on Dwadashi with Parana at the prescribed local time.
Puja Samagri / Items Required
Bhog and Falahar
Grains are traditionally avoided during Dev Uthani Ekadashi fasting, so offerings and food are based on seasonal fruits and roots:
- Sugarcane, water chestnut, guava, amla, ber and sweet potato — main offerings for Tulsi Vivah
- Kuttu or water-chestnut flour puri/halwa — for fruit-based fasting
- Sabudana khichdi
- Panchamrit — made with milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar
- Tulsi-jaggery sweet
On Parana day (Dwadashi), complete the fast with sattvic food and, according to one's means, donate food or clothing.
Tulsi Vivah — The Main Ritual of Prabodhini Ekadashi
Tulsi Vivah is traditionally performed on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or the following Dwadashi — Saturday, November 21, 2026 — in the evening. The ceremony follows traditional Hindu wedding rituals: Tulsi is treated as the bride and Shaligram as the groom, a mandap is decorated, Kanyadan and ceremonial rounds are performed, and wedding songs are sung.
A traditional belief holds that couples without a daughter can symbolically perform Kanyadan during Tulsi Vivah and receive spiritual merit. This festival is also traditionally associated with the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
Beginning of the Wedding Season
During Chaturmas, weddings, housewarmings, mundan and Upanayana are traditionally avoided. With Dev Uthani Ekadashi, this period ends and marriage Muhurat dates begin appearing in Panchang calendars. Dev Uthani Ekadashi itself is not a wedding date; it marks the opening of the traditional Muhurat season. A specific wedding date and Muhurat should be determined from the couple's details, Nakshatra matching and the Panchang for the ceremony location.
Significance of the Festival
According to traditional belief, observing Dev Uthani Ekadashi and performing Tulsi–Shaligram Vivah is associated with:
- devotion to Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi
- peace and prosperity in the household and harmony in married life
- spiritual merit associated with symbolic Kanyadan
- the traditional belief that sins are diminished and the path toward moksha is supported
The festival is more than a fast: it symbolizes renewed activity after a period of cosmic rest and the return of auspicious celebrations in family life.
Regional and Alternative Names
The same festival is known by different names across regions — Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Devotthan Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, Hariprabodhini Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi and, in Nepal, Thulo Ekadashi. All of these names point to the same theme: the awakening of Lord Vishnu.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2026 — Tithi by Country
The New Delhi reference calculation places the Ekadashi Tithi from November 20, 2026 at 07:15 AM IST to November 21, 2026 at 06:31 AM IST. The table converts that Tithi interval into local clock time for 26 locations. Local fasting and Parana dates must be checked using the Panchang for the actual city, because sunrise and tradition affect observance.
| Country | Reference City | Local Ekadashi Tithi Window |
|---|---|---|
| India | New Delhi | 20 Nov 2026, 07:15 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 07:01 AM |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 20 Nov 2026, 07:30 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 07:16 AM |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 20 Nov 2026, 07:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 07:31 AM |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | 20 Nov 2026, 07:15 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 07:01 AM |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai | 20 Nov 2026, 05:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 05:31 AM |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 20 Nov 2026, 04:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 04:31 AM |
| Qatar | Doha | 20 Nov 2026, 04:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 04:31 AM |
| United Kingdom | London | 20 Nov 2026, 01:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 01:31 AM |
| Germany | Berlin | 20 Nov 2026, 02:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 02:31 AM |
| France | Paris | 20 Nov 2026, 02:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 02:31 AM |
| Italy | Rome | 20 Nov 2026, 02:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 02:31 AM |
| Netherlands | Amsterdam | 20 Nov 2026, 02:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 02:31 AM |
| United States | New York | 19 Nov 2026, 08:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 08:31 PM |
| United States | Chicago | 19 Nov 2026, 07:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 07:31 PM |
| United States | Los Angeles | 19 Nov 2026, 05:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 05:31 PM |
| Canada | Toronto | 19 Nov 2026, 08:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 08:31 PM |
| Mexico | Mexico City | 19 Nov 2026, 07:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 07:31 PM |
| Brazil | São Paulo | 19 Nov 2026, 10:45 PM – 20 Nov 2026, 10:31 PM |
| South Africa | Johannesburg | 20 Nov 2026, 03:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 03:31 AM |
| Kenya | Nairobi | 20 Nov 2026, 04:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 04:31 AM |
| Australia | Sydney | 20 Nov 2026, 12:45 PM – 21 Nov 2026, 12:31 PM |
| Singapore | Singapore | 20 Nov 2026, 09:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 09:31 AM |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 20 Nov 2026, 09:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 09:31 AM |
| Japan | Tokyo | 20 Nov 2026, 10:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 10:31 AM |
| New Zealand | Auckland | 20 Nov 2026, 02:45 PM – 21 Nov 2026, 02:31 PM |
| Mauritius | Port Louis | 20 Nov 2026, 05:45 AM – 21 Nov 2026, 05:31 AM |
Countdown to Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2026
Upcoming Ekadashi Dates
Dev Uthani / Prabodhini Ekadashi
Smarta observance; Vaishnava/Gauna observance is Nov 21.
Utpanna Ekadashi
Margashirsha Krishna Ekadashi.
Mokshada Ekadashi
Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi; also associated with Gita Jayanti.
Shattila Ekadashi
First upcoming Ekadashi after the 2026 calendar year.
Ekadashi Mantra Cards
Vasudeva Mantra
A widely recited Vishnu mantra for devotion and remembrance.
Vishnu Gayatri
A traditional Gayatri-style invocation to Lord Vishnu.
Narayana Mantra
A simple mantra for remembrance of Narayana.
Tulsi Mantra
A simple traditional mantra offered to sacred Tulsi.
Vishnu Dhyan
The opening of a well-known Vishnu meditation verse.
Hari Nama Kirtan
A devotional chant often used during bhajan and kirtan.
Upcoming Hindu Festivals 2026
Tulsi Vivah
Traditional Dwadashi observance.
Kartika Purnima
Kartika Purnima and the Dev Deepawali period.
Kalabhairav Jayanti
Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami.
Utpanna Ekadashi
Margashirsha Krishna Ekadashi.
Vivah Panchami
Margashirsha Shukla Panchami.
Gita Jayanti / Mokshada Ekadashi
Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi.
Dattatreya Jayanti
Margashirsha Purnima period.
Upcoming Marriage Dates 2026
November
Reference auspicious marriage dates; exact Muhurat is location-specific.
December
Reference dates shown in 2026 marriage calendars for Indian locations.
Upcoming Upanayana / Janeu Dates 2026
November 2026
Reference dates published for New Delhi. Verify the final Muhurat locally.
December 2026
Reference Janeu/Upanayana dates; family tradition and local Panchang should be checked.
Location-Based FAQ
The page uses your browser time zone to explain why the Ekadashi date may differ from India. Exact fasting and Parana should be checked for your city.
Will Dev Uthani Ekadashi fall on the same date in every country?
Not necessarily. The Tithi is continuous, but the local calendar date, sunrise and observance rules can shift the fasting date.
What if I live outside India?
Use the Panchang for your actual city. Local sunrise is important for Ekadashi fasting and Parana, and Vaishnava/Gauna traditions may select a different date from Smarta calendars.
Can I use the New Delhi Parana time if I live abroad?
No. Parana should be calculated for the location where the fast is observed. The New Delhi times on this page are a reference only.
What is the 2026 New Delhi Parana time?
For the Smarta observance: November 21, 01:11 PM–03:18 PM. For the Vaishnava/Gauna observance: November 22, 06:49 AM–08:56 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the correct timing of Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2026?
For the New Delhi reference calculation, Ekadashi Tithi begins at 07:15 AM on November 20 and ends at 06:31 AM on November 21, 2026. Smarta/householder observance is November 20, while Vaishnava/Gauna observance is November 21.
How many Ekadashis are there in 2026?
There are 24 Ekadashi observances in 2026 because of Adhik Maas; a normal year has 23.
Is Dev Uthani Ekadashi auspicious for marriage?
Traditionally, it marks the end of Chaturmas and the opening of the wedding-Muhurat season. The exact wedding Muhurat is calculated separately for the couple and ceremony location.
When should I observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
In the New Delhi reference, Smarta observers fast on November 20 and use the November 21 Parana window of 01:11 PM–03:18 PM. Vaishnava/Gauna observers fast on November 21 and use the November 22 Parana window of 06:49 AM–08:56 AM.
What should I do on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
Take a morning bath and vrat sankalpa, follow your chosen fasting tradition, perform Tulsi–Shaligram Vivah in the evening, awaken the Lord with conch and bells, sing devotional songs, and complete Parana at the prescribed local time.
Can I start observing Ekadashi fasting for the first time in 2026?
There is no single universally fixed starting date. A person may take a sankalpa on a Shukla Paksha Ekadashi; follow your family tradition and local Panchang.
Is March 29, 2026 an Ekadashi?
Yes. March 29, 2026 is Kamada Ekadashi in the cited 2026 calendar.
Which foods are prohibited on Ekadashi?
Rice, wheat, barley, millet and other grains, pulses, eggplant, onion, garlic, meat and alcohol are traditionally avoided. Depending on the tradition, fasting foods may include water-chestnut flour, kuttu, samak rice, sabudana, milk/yogurt, seasonal fruit and nuts.
Can I wash my hair on Ekadashi?
Bathing and washing the hair are not universally prohibited. Some traditional observances avoid haircuts, nail cutting, shaving and oil massage on Ekadashi.
Who should not observe a strict Ekadashi fast?
People who are seriously ill, very elderly, very young, or unable to fast for medical reasons may choose a lighter observance. Pregnant people should follow medical advice and family tradition rather than attempting a strict fast.
Which Ekadashi is traditionally considered the most rigorous?
Nirjala Ekadashi is traditionally regarded as one of the most rigorous because water is also avoided. Such practices should be approached according to one's health, family tradition and medical advice.
Why can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Different traditions can apply different rules to the relationship between Ekadashi Tithi and sunrise. In the 2026 New Delhi calculation cited here, Smarta observance falls on November 20 while Vaishnava/Gauna observance falls on November 21.
Why is Tulsi Vivah performed on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
According to the traditional story, Tulsi as Vrinda was a devoted worshipper of Lord Vishnu, who promised to marry her each year in his Shaligram form. The ceremony is traditionally performed on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Dwadashi and is associated with the opening of the wedding season.