Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 Date is 25 July , Saturday
On this day all Vari's will reach Pandharpur to see Vithu Mauli (Lord Vitthal) after walking 300 Km in 21 days.
This ends the Vari Yatra and four months Chaturmas starts which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Vitthal.
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2026 , Tithi
Ashadi Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 9:12 AM on July 24 and ends at 11:34 AM on July 25.
Varkari's will break the Upvas (fast ,Parana) on Sunday, July 26, between 5:28 AM and 8:36 AM.
How is Ashadhi Ekadashi observed in Pandharpur by Varkaris
All Varkari's gather in Pandharpur after 21 foot journey from all over the Maharshtra and World and once they reach they take darshan of Vithu Mauli, Know all the Cultural steps.
How to Perform Ashadhi Ekadashi Puja
Know about the Ashadhi Ekadashi Puja performed on 25 July 2026 , Saturday , know about the Required Pooja Samagri (Materials) and Step-by-Step Pooja Vidhi (Procedure).
Required Pooja Samagri (Materials)
Before starting, gather the following essential items :
An idol or photograph of Lord Vitthal-Rukmini or Lord Vishnu.
Tulsi leaves (Patra) – Crucial, as Lord Vishnu is highly pleased by Tulsi.
Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
Sandalwood paste (Chandan), Gulal, and Bukka (black fragrant powder traditional to Warkaris).
A brass or clay Ghee lamp (Diya) and incense sticks (Dhoop).
Fresh yellow flowers or Garlands,Garlands made from Tulsi Leaves seasonal fruits, and dry fruits.
Fasting-friendly Prasad (e.g., Makhana kheer, fresh fruits, or Sabudana dishes).
Step-by-Step Pooja Vidhi (Procedure)
1. Morning Cleansing & Dress Code
Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta and take a ritual bath.
Put on clean, light-colored clothes (traditionally white dhotis or sarees are preferred for humility).
2. Sanctify the Pooja Space
Clean your temple area thoroughly.
Set up a clean wooden stool (Chowki), spread a fresh yellow or red cloth over it, and place the idol or image of Lord Vitthal/Vishnu on it.
3. Take the Vrat Sankalpa
Sit facing East, take a small amount of water in your right hand, and make a mental vow (Sankalpa) to observe the Ashadhi Ekadashi fast with absolute devotion.
Chant : "Om Vishnave Namah. Mama Sarva Papa Kshaya Artham, Punya Praptyartham Cha Ashadhi Ekadashi Vratam Karishye."
4. Ritual Bathing (Abhishekam)
If you have a metal idol of Lord Vitthal or Vishnu, gently bathe it using Panchamrit, followed by clean water.
Wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
If you are using a photo frame, simply sprinkle a few drops of water on it and wipe it down clean.
5. Adornment and Offerings
Apply Chandan, Gulal, and Bukka to the deity’s forehead.
Offer the yellow flower garland and place Tulsi leaves at the feet of the Lord.
(Note: Avoid plucking Tulsi leaves on the day of Ekadashi; pluck them a day prior).
Light the Ghee Diya and incense sticks.
6. Offer Prasad & Perform Aarti
Offer your prepared fruits and sattvik kheer/makhana as Naivedya.
Always ensure a Tulsi leaf is placed on the prasad before offering it to Vishnu.
Wave the camphor or ghee lamp and sing the Vitthal Aarti or Vishnu Aarti with family members.
Ashadhi Ekadashi Puja must be perform before the Vrat or after the Vrat ?
Perform the main Ashadhi Ekadashi puja during the day of the vrat (Ekadashi), and do a short concluding prayer on the next day (Dwadashi) before breaking the fast (Parana).
You do not do the entire puja after the fast is over; rather, the fast is broken only after completing the final morning rituals the next day.
Puja and Vrat Schedule for 2026
On Ekadashi Day (Vrat Day) 25 July - Saturday :
Wake up early in Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, and take a pure vow (Sankalp).
Perform the main worship (Puja) of Lord Vishnu or Lord Vitthal with flowers, a ghee lamp, and Tulsi leaves during the day while maintaining your fast.
Spend the day in prayer, chanting, and reading sacred texts.
On Dwadashi Day (Next Morning) 26 July -Sunday :
Wake up after sunrise, take a bath, and offer a brief morning prayer or worship to Lord Vishnu and Tulsi.
Give charity or food donations if you follow that tradition.
Break your fast (Parana) strictly within the designated auspicious morning time window listed in your local Ekadashi Calendar Guide before the Dwadashi tithi ends.
What is Chaturmas ?
In Chaturmas sanskrit , Chatur means four and mas is month , so its four months period in which Lord Vishnu goes in Yogic Sleep for 4 months - this was told to me by my Nani.
I have seen these Vari's from my childhood , my Grandfather had attended Vari's they use to start the Dindi from Gateway of India and use to join Palkis of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Mauli Dnyaneshwar Maharaj in Pune or Phaltan and go it Pandharpur, many Mill workers from mumbai use to join these Dindi's.
In our village in Satara many poeple are from Varkari Sampradya , so in every village in Maharashtra ypu will find Vitthal Mandir , Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Mandir.
Ashadhi Ekadashi in Mumbai in Wadala - West Vitthal Mandir
Vitthal Mandir in Wadala West is called as Prati Pandharpur (Pandharpur of Mumbai) it's 400 years old mandir built by Sant Tukaram in 17th century around 1614 CE.
My Grandfather was Mill worker in Century Mills in Worli he told me this Mandir in Wadala was very famous from his childhood times , all workers for whom Pandharpur was not possible due to money issues they use to visit this Mandir.
My Nana told me that Sant Tukaram has built this Mandir and he use to sit under the Bayan Tree and use to write Abhangs and perform Kirtans and educate people with his poetry.
Address of Vitthal Mandir in Wadala to visit on Ashadhi Ekadashi
16/404, Katrak Rd, Central Railway Colony, Wadala West.
Vitthal Mandir Timings
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ashadhi Ekadashi
Answering all Questions that are Frequently Asked by everyone who wants to Observe Vrat on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
when is ashadhi ekadashi this year ?
In this year 2026 , Ashadhi Ekadashi is coming on 25 July , Thursday , On 11th Lunar Day its in Shukla Paksha in Hindu month of Ashadha.
Can we marry on Ekadashi ?
No , Ekadashi is very Auspious Muhurat to connect with Diety by obeserving Vrat and Chant we cannot marry on this day but Yes , we can pray for good marriage life.
What not to do on Ekadashi ?
1. Avoid all types on Grains and Garlic , Onion , Non-Veg and Alcohol.
2. Do not pluck Tulsi leaves.
3. Do not use Chemical Toothpaste , Abrasive (Harsh) Toothbrush.
4. Do not Shave or do Haircut.
5. Do not argue with anyone - Don't lie or Gossip about anyone.
6. Do not Sleep in daytime.