Kalnirnay Panchang 2026 - Vrats & Fasting Guide
Kalnirnay 2026 Traditional Vedic Panchang, Ekadashi Vrats & Fasting Dates
Understanding the Elements of Panchang
Panchang is a Sanskrit compound word representing the 'five limbs' (Pancha-Angas) of traditional Vedic timekeeping. Every single calendar day is characterized by these astronomical factors:
- 1. Tithi (Lunar Day): Calculated from the angular relationship of the Sun and Moon. There are 15 days in Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and 15 days in Krishna Paksha (waning phase).
- 2. Nakshatra (Constellation): Represents the specific segment of the zodiac belt in which the Moon is located on that calendar day. There are 27 Nakshatras in total.
- 3. Yoga: Calculated based on the mathematical addition of solar and lunar longitudes. There are 27 Yogas.
- 4. Karana (Half-Tithi): Represents half of a lunar day (Tithi). There are 11 Karanas in the Vedic system.
- 5. Vara (Weekday): The 7-day week (Sunday through Saturday).
Major Fasts & Vrats in Maharashtra: Ekadashi & Chaturthi
Fasting (Upvas) is an integral part of Maharashtrian culture. The calendar registers two primary monthly fasting cycles that carry immense spiritual value: Ekadashi and Sankashti Chaturthi.
Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day of both the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). In Maharashtra, the Varkari sect observes all Ekadashis, dedicating them to Lord Vitthal (a form of Krishna) of Pandharpur. The two most prominent observances are:
- Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani): Occurs in the month of Ashadha. It marks the start of Chaturmas. Millions of pilgrims (Varkaris) walk on foot (Dindi) to Pandharpur.
- Kartiki Ekadashi (Prabodhini): Occurs in the month of Kartik. It marks the end of Chaturmas and the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month sleep.
Observed on the 4th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha (fading moon), Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees fast from sunrise until the moon rises in the evening. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday (Mangalvar), it is known as Angarki Chaturthi and is considered exceptionally auspicious.
Observing these fasts is believed to cleanse the body, focus the mind, and burn negative karma. Traditional fast foods allowed in Maharashtra include Sabudana Khichdi, Bhagar (Varai), peanuts, potatoes, and fresh fruits.
Ekadashi Vrats List 2026 (Fasting Dates)
Fasting on Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day of each fortnight) is considered highly sacred. An average solar year features 24 Ekadashi occurrences. Due to the Adhik Maas (extra Jyeshtha month) in 2026, there are 26 Ekadashis. The dates and days are detailed below:
| Date (2026) | Day | Ekadashi Vrat Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Shattila Ekadashi |
| January 29, 2026 | Thursday | Jaya Ekadashi |
| February 13, 2026 | Friday | Vijaya Ekadashi |
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | Amalaki Ekadashi |
| March 15, 2026 | Sunday | Papmochani Ekadashi |
| March 29, 2026 | Sunday | Kamada Ekadashi |
| April 13, 2026 | Monday | Varuthini Ekadashi |
| April 27, 2026 | Monday | Mohini Ekadashi |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | Apara Ekadashi |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Padmini Ekadashi (Adhik Maas) |
| June 11, 2026 | Thursday | Parama Ekadashi (Adhik Maas) |
| June 25, 2026 | Thursday | Nirjala Ekadashi |
| July 10, 2026 | Friday | Yogini Ekadashi |
| July 25, 2026 | Saturday | Devshayani Ashadhi Ekadashi |
| August 9, 2026 | Sunday | Kamika Ekadashi |
| August 23, 2026 | Sunday | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi |
| September 7, 2026 | Monday | Aja Ekadashi |
| September 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Parivartini Ekadashi |
| October 6, 2026 | Tuesday | Indira Ekadashi |
| October 22, 2026 | Thursday | Papankusha Ekadashi |
| November 5, 2026 | Thursday | Rama Ekadashi |
| November 20, 2026 | Friday | Devutthana Ekadashi (Kartiki Ekadashi) |
| December 4, 2026 | Friday | Utpanna Ekadashi |
| December 20, 2026 | Sunday | Mokshada Ekadashi |
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Fasting Dates
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed monthly on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha. The fast is traditionally broken after looking at the Moon. The 2026 calendar dates are listed below:
| Month (2026) | Sankashti Fasting Date | Chaturthi Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 6, 2026 (Tuesday) | Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi |
| February 2026 | February 5, 2026 (Thursday) | Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi |
| March 2026 | March 6, 2026 (Friday) | Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi |
| April 2026 | April 5, 2026 (Sunday) | Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi |
| May 2026 | May 5, 2026 (Tuesday) | Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi |
| June 2026 | June 3, 2026 (Wednesday) | Vibhuvana Sankashti Chaturthi (Adhik Maas special) |
| July 2026 | July 3, 2026 (Friday) | Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi |
| August 2026 | August 2 (Sunday) & August 31 (Monday) | Gajanana & Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi |
| September 2026 | September 29, 2026 (Tuesday) | Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi |
| October 2026 | October 29, 2026 (Thursday) | Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi |
| November 2026 | November 27, 2026 (Friday) | Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi |
| December 2026 | December 26, 2026 (Saturday) | Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi |