Shravan Putrada Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of Shravan, kept in devotion to Lord Vishnu. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, 23 August for those following the smarta reckoning, and on Monday, 24 August for Vaishnavas. It is the second of the two Ekadashis within the North Indian Sawan, and is kept especially by those seeking the blessing of children — putra-da means the giver of a child.
Below are the exact Ekadashi tithi timings for New Delhi, the parana (fast-breaking) window on 24 August, the vrat vidhi step by step, and the katha of King Mahijit that is read during the fast.
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 at a glance
Date
Sun, 23 August 2026
Tithi
Shravan Shukla Ekadashi
Ekadashi begins
23 Aug, 02:02 (IST)
Ekadashi ends
24 Aug, 04:20 (IST)
Parana (24 Aug)
From approx. 05:55 (IST)
Deity
Lord Vishnu
Date, tithi & parana time
When to keep the fast and when to break it
Ekadashi Tithi begins
23 August, 02:02 AM
Ekadashi Tithi ends
24 August, 04:20 AM
Fast (vrat) day
Sunday, 23 August (smarta)
Vaishnava observance falls on Monday, 24 August
Parana (break fast)
24 August, from approx. 05:55 AM
On Dwadashi, after sunrise
The Ekadashi tithi begins in the early hours of 23 August and ends before dawn on 24 August. Those who follow the smarta reckoning keep the vrat on Sunday, 23 August; Vaishnavas keep it on Monday, 24 August. The parana — breaking the fast — is done on Dwadashi, 24 August, from about 05:55 AM after sunrise and before Dwadashi ends. These timings are for New Delhi; confirm the day and parana for your own tradition and city.
Smarta & Vaishnava
Vrat vidhi
How the Ekadashi fast is kept, step by step
Take a light, grain-based meal on the evening of Dashami, then keep the fast from sunrise on Ekadashi. Many observe a nirjala (waterless) fast; others keep phalahar on fruit and milk. Bathe in the morning, then worship Lord Vishnu — offer tulsi leaves, flowers, a lamp and incense, and read or hear the Putrada Ekadashi katha. Couples seeking a child often worship together and pray with special sincerity. Keep away from grains, rice, onion and garlic, spend the day in japa and bhajan, and break the fast during the parana window on Dwadashi, ideally after offering food in charity.
Katha & significance
The story of King Mahijit and why the vrat is kept
The katha tells of Mahijit, a just and generous king who ruled well but grieved that he had no child to succeed him. His learned sages advised him to keep the Shravan Putrada Ekadashi vrat, together with his queen, worshipping Lord Vishnu with a sincere and undivided heart. The royal couple observed the fast with full devotion, and by its merit they were blessed with a worthy son who carried the lineage forward. The story is read during the vrat as an assurance that this Ekadashi, kept with faith, can grant the long-held wish for children.
The two Sawan Ekadashis
Find your city's Ekadashi & parana timing
These timings are for New Delhi. For your city's exact sunrise, tithi and parana window, use our live tools.
Frequently asked questions
Shravan Putrada Ekadashi 2026 date, parana and vrat