Devotees observing Ekadashi fasts are trying to sort out a scheduling puzzle this week, as the Ekadashi tithi tied to Aja Ekadashi in September 2026 spills across two calendar days. Aja Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Bhadrapada month, a day traditionally marked with a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Those who keep the fast are believed to receive their blessings while also purifying themselves spiritually, which is why getting the date right matters to so many households.
The Correct Date for Aja Ekadashi
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi tithi begins at 7:31 PM on September 6 and runs until 5:06 AM on September 7. Because Hindu fasting days are determined by udaya tithi, the date on which the tithi is active at sunrise, the Ekadashi falls at sunrise on September 7, which makes that the correct day to observe the Aja Ekadashi vrat. Anyone keeping the fast will need to wait until after 6 AM on September 8 to perform parana, the ritual breaking of the fast.
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) for the Day
September 7 carries several windows considered favourable for prayer and the fasting vow. Early risers can use the Brahma Muhurat between 4:52 AM and 5:38 AM, while Pratah Sandhya runs from 5:15 AM to 6:25 AM. For those praying around midday, Abhijit Muhurat between 12:12 PM and 1:01 PM is considered auspicious. In the evening, Godhuli Muhurat falls between 6:48 PM and 7:11 PM, and Sayahna Sandhya extends from 6:48 PM to 7:58 PM. There is also an Amrit Kaal window from 3:59 PM to 5:29 PM, a period regarded as especially favourable for any auspicious activity.
The Auspicious Yogas Forming on the Day
What makes this year's Aja Ekadashi notable, beyond the date confusion, is the cluster of planetary alignments coinciding with it. The Punarvasu Nakshatra will be active through the morning before giving way to Pushya Nakshatra by night. During this stretch, the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter is expected to form Gajakesari Yoga, a combination linked to prosperity and success. Venus sitting in its own sign, meanwhile, is set to create Malavya Yoga, one of the five Panch Mahapurush Yogas, while Mercury positioned in its exalted sign forms Bhadra Yoga on the same day. Astrological belief holds that so many favourable yogas converging at once is rare, and that observing the fast alongside Tulsi related rituals on this day can bring devotees particularly positive outcomes. Anyone unable to keep the fast is said to still gain auspicious results by chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
