Nirjala Ekadashi is a sacred Ekadashi fast day in the Sanatan Hindu dharma. It is the strictest fast because people stay without water and food for the whole day. Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Ekadashi, Bhima Ekadashi, or Bhimseni Ekadashi. The meaning of Nirjala is "without water" in Sanskrit.
When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026?
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Timing and Parana
| Event | Date & Time 2026 |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi Tithi Starts | June 24, 2026 - 06:12 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | June 25, 2026 - 08:09 PM |
| Parana Time | June 26, 2026 - 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM |
| Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment | June 26, 2026 - 10:22 PM |
The Legend of Bhima and Nirjala Ekadashi (Mahabharata Story)
According to the Mahabharata, the Pandava brother Bhima loved eating food and was a massive eater. He also wanted to earn the spiritual benefits of fasting. But Bhima could not control his intense hunger. One day, Sage Vyasa advised him to observe this strict fast. He will not take water or food for a single day to make up for all the other missed Ekadashis.
After that day, Nirjala Ekadashi started to be celebrated in the Hindu religion. People keep a strict Nirjala fast, which requires abstaining from both food and water for 24 hours. It starts from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on the following Dwadashi day.
Can we consume fruits or milk?
But there is some relaxation in this fasting. Those who are unable to keep the strict Nirjala fast due to health reasons, such as pregnant women, the elderly, children, or the ill, may follow a partial fast with fruits or milk or a single pure (sattvic) meal if their health prevents a strict fast.
Can we sleep during the day?
Daytime sleeping is traditionally discouraged during the fast. Devotees do prayer to Lord Vishnu, worship, and reflection during the fasting period.
Are bathing and brushing teeth allowed?
Yes. Physical cleaning is an important part of any religion. You can take a bath and brush your teeth. However, you should not drink water unnecessarily.
What is the correct way to break the Nirjala Ekadashi fast (Parana)?
The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is broken the next morning (Dwadashi) after sunrise. You can break this fast within the specific Dwadashi window and outside the Hari Vasara period. The Ekadashi fast is broken by drinking water and eating light vegetarian foods.
Which mantras should be chanted?
You can chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama mantras during the Nirjala Ekadashi fast.
What is the importance of charity on Nirjala Ekadashi day?
Nirjala Ekadashi comes when the summer season is at its peak. So, donating plain or sugary cool water to people is considered a highly virtuous act and one of the best forms of charity. People also donate hand fans, clothes, and food on this day.