Shattila Ekadashi - Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and is the first Ekadashi of the Hindu lunar year. It falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) of the Magha month — a time considered especially powerful for spiritual purification and charity.

According to traditional panchang:

  • Ekadashi Tithi Begins: January 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM

  • Ekadashi Tithi Ends: January 14, 2026 at 5:52 PM

  • Parana (Fast‑breaking) Time: January 15, 2026, 7:15 AM – 9:21 AM

  • Dwadashi Tithi Ends: January 15, 2026 at 8:16 PM

Devotees traditionally observe the fast during the Ekadashi tithi and break it (Parana) the next morning in the Parana window on Dwadashi.

What is Shattila Ekadashi & Why It Is Celebrated

Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu — the preserver and protector in the Hindu pantheon. The word Shattila is derived from “Shat” meaning six and “Tila” meaning sesame seeds. On this day, sesame seeds are used in six unique ways during rituals and charity, symbolizing purification, devotion and generosity.

This Ekadashi falls close to Makar Sankranti, giving it added spiritual significance, as the energies of faith, sharing and inner renewal are believed to be especially strong at this time.

Spiritual Significance

Shattila Ekadashi is regarded as a festival of spiritual purification and inner peace. Devotees believe that observing this vrat with sincerity can:

  • Purify mind, speech and actions

  • Remove past sins and negative energies

  • Bring prosperity, harmony and spiritual growth

  • Strengthen devotion to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi

The emphasis on charity and self‑discipline helps devotees cultivate both inner virtue and outward compassion.

Rituals and How to Observe Shattila Ekadashi

The core aspects of Shattila Ekadashi observance include fasting, worship, charity and meditation. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Cleanse and Prepare

  • Wake up early and take a holy bath, ideally using water mixed with sesame seeds or sesame paste. This act symbolizes spiritual cleansing.

2. Fasting (Vrat)

  • Many devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to Ekadashi tithi end, abstaining from grains and eating only light satvik food such as fruits and milk if needed.

3. Worship Lord Vishnu

  • Set up a clean prayer area with an image or idol of Lord Vishnu.

  • Offer flowers, incense, lamps, and sesame seeds during puja.

  • Chant sacred mantras such as Vishnu Sahasranama and other prayers dedicated to Vishnu.

4. Six Uses of Sesame Seeds

Shattila Ekadashi highlights the symbolic use of sesame seeds (til) in six important ways:

  1. Wearing sesame seeds on the body

  2. Consuming sesame food

  3. Donating sesame seeds

  4. Using sesame in water for ritual bathing

  5. Offering sesame to Lord Vishnu

  6. Including sesame in donations to the needy

5. Charity and Donations

  • A central aspect is charity. Devotees donate sesame seeds, oil, food, clothes, rice and other items to priests, temples and the needy. This act of giving is believed to greatly enhance spiritual merit.

6. Parana (Fast‑breaking)

  • The fast is traditionally broken on Dwadashi morning (next day) during the Parana window (around 7:15 AM – 9:21 AM).

Why Sesame (Til) Matters in This Ekadashi

Sesame seeds hold a special spiritual symbolism in Hindu tradition. They are considered “Akshaya” — meaning everlasting — and are believed to absorb negative energies, purify karmic debts, and attract divine blessings when offered with devotion.

Using sesame in ritual bathing, food, offerings and charity reflects the idea that true spiritual growth requires both devotion and compassion towards others.

Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi

Devotees believe that Shattila Ekadashi offers multiple spiritual and practical benefits:

  • Removal of sins and karmic burdens

  • Inner peace and emotional harmony

  • Prosperity and abundance in life

  • Protection from misfortunes

  • Strengthened faith and devotion

    These benefits are attributed to the combined practice of fasting, prayer and charity.

A Festival of Faith and Compassion

Shattila Ekadashi is much more than a fasting day. It is a time to reflect, purify and share — a festival that encourages believers to look beyond personal goals and cultivate compassion, forgiveness and generosity.

Whether observed in a quiet home prayer or a community temple gathering, the rituals of Shattila Ekadashi remind devotees of the interconnectedness of spiritual discipline and acts of kindness — values that remain meaningful beyond religious observance.

Step-by-Step Shattila Ekadashi Puja Guide – January 14, 2026

1. Early Morning Preparations

  • Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath, ideally adding sesame seeds or til paste to the water.

  • Clean your puja area and place a fresh cloth on the altar.

  • Gather items for puja: Lord Vishnu idol or picture, sesame seeds, flowers, incense, lamp, fruits, milk, and offerings for charity.

Tip: Keeping the puja area simple and pure helps focus the mind on devotion.

2. Begin Fasting

  • Shattila Ekadashi is traditionally a nirjala fast (without water) or a partial fast (only fruits and milk).

  • Begin your fast after your bath and morning prayers.

  • Maintain purity of thought, words, and actions throughout the day.

3. Worship Lord Vishnu

  • Place sesame seeds on the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.

  • Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks.

  • Offer flowers, fruits, and milk.

  • Recite prayers and mantras such as:

    • Vishnu Sahasranama

    • Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha (narrative of the day’s significance)

Focus your thoughts on compassion, purity, and service as you chant.

4. Special Sesame (Til) Rituals

Shattila Ekadashi is named after the sixfold use of sesame seeds (Shat-Til). Devotees are encouraged to:

  1. Wear sesame seeds on the body or forehead as a symbol of protection.

  2. Use sesame in ritual bathing.

  3. Offer sesame seeds to Lord Vishnu during puja.

  4. Consume sesame-based food if allowed in your fast.

  5. Donate sesame seeds to the needy.

  6. Include sesame in charity offerings (oil, sweets, or food prepared with sesame).

These practices symbolize purification, prosperity, and devotion.

5. Charity and Giving (Dana)

  • Donate sesame seeds, rice, clothes, oil, or food to temples, priests, or the needy.

  • Acts of charity on Shattila Ekadashi are believed to remove sins and enhance spiritual merit.

  • Encourage family members to participate in small acts of giving — this strengthens compassion and community bonds.

6. Meditation and Reflection

  • Spend time meditating on Lord Vishnu’s qualities — patience, protection, and preservation.

  • Reflect on how you can practice compassion, honesty, and self-discipline in daily life.

7. Parana (Breaking the Fast)

  • Shattila Ekadashi fast is broken on Dwadashi morning (January 15, 2026) during the Parana window: 7:15 AM – 9:21 AM.

  • Offer water and light food to the Sun (optional), then consume satvik food like fruits, milk, kheer or rice-based dishes.

  • Give thanks for Lord Vishnu’s blessings and share the meal with family or friends.

Tips for Devotees

  • Avoid grains and beans during the fast.

  • Keep mind and body pure, avoid anger or gossip.

  • Participate with family to make it a collective spiritual experience.

  • Combine fasting with charity and self-reflection for maximum benefit.



Shattila Ekadashi is a day to purify body, mind, and soul through fasting, worship, charity, and meditation. Following the six sesame rituals and observing proper fasting with devotion brings spiritual growth, prosperity, and protection from negativity.


इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
April (Chaitra/Baisakh)