Mohini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Fasting Rules and Puja Guide

Ekadashi is considered one of the most important days for fasting in the Hindu calendar. Out of the 24 Ekadashis in a year, the one that falls in the bright half of the Vaishakh month is known as Mohini Ekadashi 2026. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s only female avatar: Mohini. Devotees observe the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat to clear their minds, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and get rid of negative attachments. Therefore, if you are planning to fast this year, here is the complete guide covering the exact dates, the story behind it, what to eat, and how to break your fast correctly.

Mohini Ekadashi 2026: Quick Guide

• Date: April 27, 2026 (Monday)
• Parana time: April 28, 5:43 AM – 8:21 AM
• Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu’s Mohini avatar
• Purpose: Let go of bad habits and reset your mind

Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Date, Timings and Parana Window

Timing is everything when it comes to Ekadashi. You must start your fast on the correct day and break it within a very specific time window the following morning.

• Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Starts: 06:06 PM on April 26, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 06:15 PM on April 27, 2026

Best Puja Timings for April 27:

If you want to do your prayers during the luckiest times of the day, use these Choghadiya windows:

• Amrita (Best): 05:44 AM to 07:23 AM
• Shubha (Good): 07:23 AM to 09:02 AM
• Labha (Gain): 01:58 PM to 03:36 PM
• Amrita (Best): 03:36 PM to 05:15 PM

Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Parana Time (Breaking the Fast)

Parana is the Hindu term for breaking a fast. For Ekadashi, the Parana rules are very strict. You must break your fast the next morning (on Dwadashi day) after sunrise. Breaking the fast too early or missing the window entirely is considered inauspicious.

• Parana Window: 05:43 AM to 08:21 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
• Dwadashi Ends: 06:51 PM on April 28, 2026.

Note: You should never break your fast during Hari Vasara (the first quarter of the Dwadashi day). Wait for that period to pass, and try to eat your first meal right within the morning window listed above.

Also read: April 2026 Festivals: Important Dates to Know

Why Mohini Ekadashi Is Celebrated

During the ancient churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a pot of immortality nectar (Amrit) came out of the water. To stop the demons from drinking it and becoming immortal, Lord Vishnu took the form of a stunningly beautiful woman named Mohini. She tricked the demons and successfully gave the nectar to the gods. Similarly, observing this Ekadashi vrat helps you trick your own inner demons, like anger, greed, and bad habits. It acts as a spiritual reset, helping you focus on positive things and letting go of stress.

Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story Explained Simply)

Every Ekadashi has a story. This one is about a father and his troubled son. A long time ago, a rich and deeply religious merchant named Dhanapala lived in a city called Bhadravati. He had five sons. While four of them were good people, his fifth son, Dhristabuddhi, was a mess. He gambled, drank, and wasted the family’s money. Tired of his bad behaviour, his father kicked him out of the house. Soon, Dhristabuddhi ran out of money. His fake friends left him, and he was forced to live in the jungle, stealing food just to survive.

One day, completely broken and starving, he walked past the ashram of a holy man named Sage Kaundinya. A few drops of the sage’s bathwater splashed onto Dhristabuddhi. Instantly, his mind cleared. He realised how badly he had messed up his life and begged the sage for help. The sage told him to observe the Mohini Ekadashi fast. Dhristabuddhi followed the rules perfectly, prayed with a pure heart, and completely changed his life. As a result, all his past sins were forgiven, and he eventually went to heaven.

Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Rituals: How to Do the Puja at Home

Here is how to do the Mohini Ekadashi puja at home:

• Morning Bath: Wake up early (before sunrise if possible) and take a bath. Wear clean, light-coloured clothes. Yellow is Lord Vishnu’s favourite colour.
• The Vow (Sankalp): Stand in front of your home temple, close your eyes, and promise yourself that you will complete the fast honestly.
• The Offerings: Place a picture or small statue of Lord Vishnu on a clean table. Then, light a ghee lamp. Offer him yellow flowers, some fresh fruits, and a sweet.
• Tulsi Leaves: This is very important. Lord Vishnu’s worship is incomplete without offering Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves.
• Chant: Sit quietly and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or read the Vishnu Sahasranama. You can also listen to and chant along with Vishnu mantras on AstroSure.ai.

Mohini Ekadashi Fasting Rules: What to Eat and Avoid

Fasting is a great way to detox your body and mind, but there are strict food rules for Ekadashi.

Foods You Must Avoid: You cannot eat any grains. This means absolutely no wheat, rice, corn, pulses, or lentils. You must also avoid onions, garlic, and outside junk food.

Foods You Can Eat (Phalahar Diet): If you cannot go the whole day just drinking water, you can eat a simple “Phalahar” diet. This includes:

• Fresh fruits (bananas, mangoes, apples)
• Milk, curd, and buttermilk
• Sabudana (sago) khichdi or kheer
• Boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Nuts like peanuts and almonds

Keep your meals light and your mind focused on positive thoughts. When Tuesday morning arrives, break your fast peacefully within the Parana time and offer some food to the needy if you can.

Also read: May 2026 Festivals: Calendar, Dates, Vrats & Ekadashi List

Mohini Ekadashi 2026 FAQs

1. When is Mohini Ekadashi in 2026?

Mohini Ekadashi falls on April 27, 2026. The fast begins with Ekadashi tithi and you break it the next morning on Dwadashi.

2. What is the correct parana time for Mohini Ekadashi 2026?

The parana time is between 5:43 AM and 8:21 AM on April 28. Breaking the fast in this window is considered auspicious.

3. What can you eat during Mohini Ekadashi fast?

You can eat fruits, milk, sabudana, nuts, and potatoes. Avoid grains, pulses, onions, garlic, and processed food.

4. What is the spiritual meaning of Mohini Ekadashi?

This vrat helps you let go of negative habits like anger and greed. Essentially, it acts like a mental and emotional reset.

Ask Agastyaa what your birth chart says about your habits, patterns and where you need a reset