Devshayani Ekadashi, one of the most important Ekadashi observances in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Saturday, 25 July 2026. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sacred day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month holy period during which devotees believe Lord Vishnu enters a divine state of cosmic sleep.The occasion is observed with fasting, prayers and Vishnu worship by devotees across India. It is also known by several other names, including Ashadi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi.Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 dateAccording to Drik Panchang, Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat will be observed on Saturday, 25 July 2026.Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 vrat timingsAs per Drik Panchang, the important timings are:Ekadashi date: Saturday, 25 July 2026Ekadashi Tithi begins: 9:12 am on Friday, 24 July 2026Ekadashi Tithi ends: 11:34 am on Saturday, 25 July 2026Parana (fast-breaking) timeDevotees observing the fast should break it on Sunday, 26 July 2026.Parana time: 5:39 am to 8:22 amDwadashi ends: 1:57 pmWhat is Devshayani Ekadashi?Devshayani Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Ashadha month in the Hindu lunar calendar.According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) on this day and awakens four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi, signalling the end of Chaturmas.This period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, devotion and religious observances.Why is Devshayani Ekadashi important?Devshayani Ekadashi carries immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu.The festival:Marks the beginning of ChaturmasIs observed shortly after the famous Jagannath Rath YatraIs considered highly auspicious for fasting and prayerSymbolises Lord Vishnu's divine rest before awakening on Prabodhini EkadashiMany devotees spend the day chanting Vishnu mantras, reading sacred scriptures and offering prayers for peace, prosperity and spiritual growth.Other names of Devshayani EkadashiThe festival is known by different names across India, including:Ashadi EkadashiHari Shayani EkadashiPadma EkadashiDevshayani EkadashiWhat is Ekadashi Parana?Parana refers to the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast.According to Hindu traditions, devotees should break their fast after sunrise on Dwadashi, but within the Dwadashi Tithi. Delaying Parana beyond Dwadashi is generally discouraged in scriptures.Rules for Ekadashi ParanaTraditional guidelines for Parana include:Break the fast only after Hari Vasara has ended.Hari Vasara is considered the first one-fourth of the Dwadashi Tithi.The most auspicious time for Parana is Pratahkal (morning after sunrise).If morning Parana is not possible, it may be performed after Madhyahna (midday). Avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna itself.Why are two Ekadashi fasting days sometimes observed?In some years, Ekadashi fasting may be observed on two consecutive days due to differences in tithi calculations.According to traditional practice:Smartha devotees generally observe the fast on the first Ekadashi.Vaishnava devotees, saints, widows and those seeking moksha (liberation) often observe the second Ekadashi.Some dedicated devotees choose to observe fasting on both days as an expression of devotion to Lord Vishnu.Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 at a glanceFestival: Devshayani Ekadashi 2026Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026Ekadashi Tithi begins: 9:12 am, 24 July 2026Ekadashi Tithi ends: 11:34 am, 25 July 2026Parana date: Sunday, 26 July 2026Parana time: 5:39 am to 8:22 amDwadashi ends: 1:57 pmDevshayani Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most sacred days dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The observance not only marks the beginning of the spiritually significant Chaturmas period but also inspires devotees to deepen their faith through fasting, prayer and acts of devotion.