🇮🇳 Trending in India · 5 November 2026
Rama Ekadashi: What is the fast, and why is it observed on 5 November?
What is Rama Ekadashi?
Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight, and Hindus who follow Vishnu often fast on this day. Rama Ekadashi is the one observed in the dark fortnight of Kartika, which falls around October and November. It comes a few days before Diwali, and Diwali is about four days after it.
Why is it called 'Rama'?
In this festival, 'Rama' is another name of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. The fast is kept for Vishnu, and Lakshmi is worshipped alongside him. So the day is seen as a prayer for both inner merit and a prosperous home.
The date in 2026
According to the Panchang, the Ekadashi tithi begins at 11:03 AM on 4 November and ends at about 10:35 AM on 5 November. Because the tithi is present at sunrise on 5 November, the fast is kept that day. The fast is broken (parana) on Friday, 6 November, within a time window given in local panchangs.
The legend of Shobhan and Chandrabhaga
A common story linked to this day features King Mucukunda, his daughter Chandrabhaga and her husband Shobhan. After Shobhan received a divine city on Mandarachal Mountain because of the merit of the fast, Chandrabhaga believed her own merit could make that city permanent. The story is used to teach devotion and faith.
How people observe it
Devotees bathe early, wear clean clothes, and worship Vishnu and Lakshmi, often with a lamp of ghee. Reading or listening to the Vrat Katha is considered especially fruitful. Some traditions also say tulsi leaves should not be plucked on this day.
Quick points
Quick quiz
1. Goddess Lakshmi is honoured in Rama Ekadashi under which name?
2. On which day was Rama Ekadashi observed in 2026?
3. To which deity is the Rama Ekadashi fast primarily dedicated?
