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Sampradāya & Observance

One Observance, Several Readings

How the rules for determining the sacred fasting day differ across traditional lines.

Ekadasi is observed across Hindu traditions, but the rules for determining the fasting day differ. Two main approaches are reflected throughout this site.

Smārta Tradition

Aruṇodaya Tithi Observance

The Smārta tradition prescribes the fast on the day when Ekādaśī tithi is prevailing at sunrise (aruṇodaya). The reading is attentive to the actual moment Ekādaśī reaches sunrise, and treats the Daśamī overlap with relative flexibility.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition

Śuddha Ekādaśī & Viddhā Avoidance

The Vaiṣṇava tradition, including the Gauḍīya, ISKCON, and Śrī Vaiṣṇava lineages, takes a stricter line on vedha (touch) with Daśamī. Where Daśamī is still present at sunrise of the Ekādaśī day, the fast is observed the following day, when Dvādaśī reaches sunrise (Mahā-Dvādaśī). Most months, the two traditions agree; on the few days they do not, both dates are shown.

Adhika Māsa

The Intercalary Lunar Month

This year (2026) includes an Adhika Maas in Jyeṣṭha. Padmini Ekadasi falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Parama Ekadasi on Thursday, June 11, 2026.