Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Date
Out of the 24 Ekadashis take place in a year, the Ekadashi that comes between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri is known as Papmochani Ekadashi. Papmochani Ekadashi which is the last Ekadashi of the year, comes before Yugadi and on this day, devotees worship and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Papmochani Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month as per North Indian Purnimant calendar and it is observed on eleventh day of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month as per South Indian Amavasyant calendar though, both North and South Indians observe it on the same day.
It usually falls in the month of March or April as per the English calendar. As its name itself says, "Papmochani" means "remover of sins" and it is believed that anyone who observes a fast on Papmochani Ekadashi gets free from their sins and live a peaceful and happy life ahead. When Papamochani Ekadashi comes on a Thursday, it has a special significance and is known as ‘Guruvar Ekadashi’.
When is Papmochani Ekadashi in 2026?
Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Date & Timings for Vrat & Parana
Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Date - Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Ekadashi Tithi Time
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 08:10 AM on Mar 14, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 09:16 AM on Mar 15, 2026
Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Parana Time
Parana means breaking the fast and Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on the next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is regarded as a type of crime.
Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna.
The Parana time for Papmochani Ekadashi is as follows:
On 16th Mar, Parana Time - 06:30 AM to 08:54 AM
On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 09:40 AM
Papmochani Ekadashi Parana Time for Iskcon Devotees:
On 16th Mar, Parana Time - 06:30 AM to 09:40 AM
Papamochani Meaning
The word Papamochani is combination of two words, Paap and Mochani. Paap means sin or misdeed and Mochani means removal. Together it signifies that any person who observes Papmochani Ekadashi fast is relieved from all the past and present sins.
When Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days, it is advised that Smartha with their family should observe fasting on the first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which falls on the second day, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha.
When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day. Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi during Papamochani Ekadashi:
- The Ekadashi fasting begins on the evening of Dashami Tithi and ends on the morning of Dwadashi Tithi.
- Devotees wake up early at sunrise on ekadashi and take a bath. If you can take a bath in one of the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery etc., it is good otherwise you can also pour some drops of Ganga water in the bucket for bathing. Just do remember that while using Ganga water to bath, do not use soap at that time. Either use soap before using Ganga water or do not use soap at all. Followers of Sri Hari Vishnu keep a fast on this day.
- Fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is believed to be very auspicious. Some people observe Papmochani Ekadashi fast without eating anything or just drinking water, but the fasting can also be observed by eating non-grain foods, milk, nuts and fruits. Keep Chanting 'OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' as you offer Sri Vishnu. The fast is broken the next day after offering prayers to Sri Hari Vishnu.
- Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited.
- Those who are not fasting, eating pulses, rice and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibhited on Ekadashi.
- Sri Vishnu is worshipped by devotees wholehearteadly and Tulsi leaves (plucked a day before), flowers, fruits, lamp and incense sticks are offered to Sri Hari Vishnu.
- The observer of this vrat must visit any temple of Sri Vishnu in the morning or evening.
- One must read the Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha, ‘Sri Vishnu Sahasranama’ or Bhagavad Gita on the day of Ekadashi.
- Conclude the Papamochani Ekadashi puja by performing Sri Hari Vishnu Aarti.
Significance of Papamochani Ekadashi
The importance of Papamochani Ekadashi is provided in the ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’ and ‘Harivasara’. Narrated first to King Mandhata by Sage Lomasa and then by Sri Krishna to King Yudhisthira, the eldest of Pandavas, it is believed that observing the fast of Papamochani Ekadashi destroys all the sins and also frees the observer from any guilt. A person observing the Papmochani Ekadashi with true devotion will never be influenced by demons or ghosts. It is said that observing vrat for Papamochani Ekadashi is more worthy than visiting Hindu pilgrimage places or even donating one thousand cows. All the worldly pleasures are enjoyed by the devotee who observe this vrat and finally gets a place in the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu, the ‘Vaikunth’. Devotees must chant, listen and recite Vedic mantras dedicated to Sri Vishnu.
