07/09/2026
Annada Ekadashi is an exceptionally meritorious fasting day observed during the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada (August–September), when devotees fast and remain awake chanting the Lord’s glories to cleanse reactions to past sins and advance in Krishna consciousness.
According to the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, during the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada appears Aja Ekadashi, also known as Annada Ekadashi, an especially meritorious day that removes all sins. Gautama Muni instructed King Harishchandra, then suffering in servitude after losing his kingdom, that fasting on this sacred day would nullify reactions to past karma. The king, following the sage’s guidance, fasted and remained awake chanting the Lord’s glories. By the power of Annada Ekadashi alone, all his past sins were instantly destroyed, and he was reunited with his departed wife and son, who were revived, and his kingdom was restored.
This Ekadashi exemplifies the principle that governs all Ekadashi observance in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition: by fasting from grains and beans, remaining awake in devotional service, and fixing the mind on Krishna, the devotee purifies himself from accumulated sinful reactions. Srila Prabhupada taught that the devotee observing Ekadashi fasting undergoes austerity to minimize bodily demands and increase engagement in the Lord’s service through chanting and meditation, becoming purified both internally and externally in his journey toward Krishna consciousness.
Break the Annada Ekadashi fast on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, between 6:02 AM and 10:13 AM Delhi (IST).
