Ekadashi is one of the most important fasting days in Hinduism and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Observed twice every lunar month, Ekadashi is believed to help devotees attain spiritual growth, peace and divine blessings. In June 2026, devotees will observe two significant Ekadashi fasts, Parama Ekadashi and Nirjala Ekadashi.Here's everything you need to know about the June 2026 Ekadashi dates, timings and their religious significance.Parama Ekadashi 2026: Date and TimingsParama Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, 11 June 2026.Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:57 AM on 11 June 2026Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:36 PM on 11 June 2026Parama Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha of Adhika Maas (also known as Purushottam Maas or Malmas). Since Adhika Maas does not occur every year, Parama Ekadashi is considered a special and rare observance in the Hindu calendar.Why Is Parama Ekadashi Important?Parama Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed with fasting, prayers and charitable activities. Hindu scriptures suggest that observing this vrat helps devotees seek forgiveness for past mistakes and attain spiritual merit.As it falls during the sacred Adhika Maas, devotees consider this Ekadashi especially auspicious for worship, meditation and acts of charity.Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Date and TimingsNirjala Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, 25 June 2026.Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 6:12 PM on 24 June 2026Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 8:09 PM on 25 June 2026Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as the most significant of all Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year.Why Is Nirjala Ekadashi Known As The Toughest Ekadashi?The word "Nirjala" means "without water". On this day, devotees traditionally observe a strict fast without consuming food or water for the entire duration of the vrat.Because of its rigorous nature, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most challenging fasting observances in Hinduism.According to religious beliefs, observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bring the spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashi fasts observed during the year.Why Is Nirjala Ekadashi Also Called Pandava Ekadashi?Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.According to Hindu tradition, Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, found it difficult to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts due to his appetite. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe a single strict Nirjala Ekadashi fast each year to receive the benefits of all Ekadashi observances.This legend is why the day is closely associated with Bhima and the Pandavas.What Is Ekadashi Parana?Parana refers to the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast. It is performed on the following day, during Dwadashi Tithi, after sunrise.Devotees are advised to break the fast only after the Hari Vasara period has ended. Hari Vasara is considered the first quarter of the Dwadashi Tithi and is generally avoided for Parana.Traditionally, the most favourable time for Parana is during the morning period after sunrise.June 2026 Ekadashi Dates At A GlanceParama Ekadashi: 11 June 2026 (Thursday)Nirjala Ekadashi: 25 June 2026 (Thursday)Both Ekadashis hold special significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu and are observed with fasting, prayers and spiritual practices across India.