All 0 Ekadashi dates for 2028 - Shukla and Krishna Paksha Ekadashis with names.
Ekadashi is the eleventh (ekadasha in Sanskrit) day of each fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar. Since the lunar month has two fortnights - the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) - there are two Ekadashi days per month, yielding approximately 24 Ekadashis per year (25 in some years with an intercalary month). Observing Ekadashi through fasting and prayer is considered one of the most meritorious practices in Vaishnavism, endorsed extensively in the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Vishnu Purana.
Among the 24 annual Ekadashis, certain days hold exceptional importance. Nirjala Ekadashi (June) is the most rigorous - observed without water (nirjala) and believed to confer the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi) marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month rest period of Lord Vishnu. Prabodhini Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi) marks his awakening. Vaikunta Ekadashi, observed in Margashirsha, draws millions to Vaishnava temples across South India - Tirupati Balaji temple alone sees over 1 lakh pilgrims on this single day.
An estimated 50-80 million Hindus observe Ekadashi fasts regularly, particularly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and among Vaishnava communities across India. The fast involves abstaining from grains, cereals, and pulses - allowed foods include fruits, milk, rock salt, and certain vegetables. This calendar lists exact Ekadashi dates for 2024, 2025, and 2026 with regional name variants, helping devotees plan their observances in advance.