Hindutone Editorial | February 25, 2026
Hare Krishna! Just days before the colourful festival of Holi, the most powerful Vishnu Ekadashi of the year arrives – Phalguna Shuddha Ekadashi 2026, popularly known as Amalaki Ekadashi or Rangbhari Ekadashi.
Devotees believe that fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu along with the sacred Amla tree on this day washes away sins of many lifetimes, grants immense wealth, robust health, and the ultimate boon of moksha.
This year, Amalaki Ekadashi falls on Friday, 27 February 2026 – a perfect opportunity for spiritual cleansing before Holi celebrations.
Phalguna Shuddha / Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 Date & Auspicious Timings (India)
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:33 AM on 27 February 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:32 PM on 27 February 2026
- Fasting Day: Friday, 27 February 2026 (full day)
- Parana (Breaking Fast) Time on 28 February 2026: 06:47 AM to 09:06 AM (New Delhi/Pune timings)
Dwadashi Tithi ends: Around 08:43 PM on 28 February.
Note: Parana must be done after sunrise on Dwadashi and before the first quarter of Dwadashi (Hari Vasara period) ends. Always confirm exact local sunrise in your city.
Special Timings for NRIs & Devotees in USA (City-Wise)
Hindus living abroad follow local sunrise rules. Here are precise timings from DrikPanchang (adjusted for local time zones with DST where applicable):
New York / East Coast (EST)
- Fasting observed on: Friday, 27 February 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi: Begins 02:03 PM (26 Feb) → Ends 12:02 PM (27 Feb)
- Parana on 28 Feb: 06:31 AM to 08:46 AM (local time)
Los Angeles / West Coast (PST)
- Fasting observed on: Friday, 27 February 2026
- Tithi begins around 11:03 AM on 26 Feb (local)
- Parana on 28 Feb: Early morning window after local sunrise (approx. 06:00 AM – 08:30 AM – check exact on drikpanchang.com for your zip code)
Houston / Central Time (CST)
- Fasting on 27 February 2026
- Parana on 28 Feb: Approx. 06:15 AM – 08:45 AM (local)
For all other US cities, Canada, UK, Australia & Gulf countries: Visit drikpanchang.com, select your city, and note the exact Parana window. Many NRIs in USA, UK, and Middle East also join live Vishnu Puja on YouTube temples like ISKCON or Sri Venkateswara temples.
Spiritual Importance of Phalguna Suddha Ekadashi (Amalaki Ekadashi)
According to Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu Himself resides in the Amla tree on this day. Worshipping the Amla tree is equal to worshipping all deities together.
Benefits of observing Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat:
- Destruction of all sins (even grave ones)
- Attainment of wealth, good health & long life
- Victory over enemies and obstacles
- Path to Vaikuntha (moksha)
- Special merit equal to performing thousands of yajnas and cow donations
This Ekadashi is also called Rangbhari Ekadashi in Varanasi because it marks the beginning of Holi colours and joy.
Complete Vrat & Fasting Rules (Nirjala / Phalahar)
- Strict Nirjala Fast (highest merit): No food or water from sunrise on 27 Feb till Parana on 28 Feb.
- Phalahar Option (for beginners, elderly, NRIs with busy schedules): Only fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana, makhana, coconut water, ghee. No grains, rice, wheat, pulses, onion, garlic, or salt (sendha namak allowed in phalahar).
- Avoid sleeping during daytime.
- Chant Vishnu names continuously.
- NRIs in USA: If working, take a light phalahar breakfast before office and complete fast after returning.
Pro Tip for NRIs: Many observe “half-Ekadashi” by eating only after sunset on 26th (previous day) and breaking on 28th morning – still highly beneficial.
Step-by-Step Pooja Vidhi & Rituals at Home or Temple
Morning Routine (27 Feb):
- Wake up before sunrise, take holy bath.
- Wear clean yellow or white clothes.
Main Puja (Best time: After sunrise till 11 AM):
- Clean your altar or Tulsi plant area.
- Install Lord Vishnu & Lakshmi idols or photo.
- Light ghee lamp & agarbatti.
- Offer fresh Amla fruit (or Amla juice/powder if tree not available).
- If Amla tree is nearby: Bathe the tree with water + milk, tie yellow mauli thread 7 times around the trunk, apply tilak, offer flowers & fruits.
- Perform Shodashopachara Puja to Lord Vishnu.
- Chant this powerful mantra 108 times: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)
- Read or listen to Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha (story of King Vasuratha & the hunter).
- Offer bhog: Fruits, sweets made of milk, coconut.
- Perform aarti and distribute prasad.
Evening: Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or watch live darshan from Tirupati / ISKCON.
Donations (Highly Recommended on this Day): Yellow clothes, Amla fruits, gram dal, jaggery, books, or cash to Brahmins/pandits.
Short Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Summary)
In ancient times, a sinful hunter accidentally heard the glories of Amalaki Ekadashi from a sage while hiding. He fasted unknowingly on that day and offered a leaf to the Amla tree. After death, he was reborn as a pious king and attained Vaikuntha. The story proves even an unintentional fast on this day destroys mountains of sins!
Final Message for Devotees Worldwide
Whether you are in Hyderabad, New York, London, or Dubai – this Phalguna Shuddha Ekadashi 2026 is your golden chance to please Lord Vishnu and enter the festive season of Holi with a pure heart.
Jai Shri Hari! Jai Amalaki Ekadashi!
May Lord Vishnu bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.
Share this article with your family and WhatsApp groups – let every Hindu, especially NRIs, observe this sacred vrat together!
Hare Krishna!
Note: Always confirm exact Parana timings with your local panchang or priest for complete accuracy.
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Hara Hara Mahadev! Radhe Radhe! 
