Indira Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Pitru Paksha. In 2026, Indira Ekadashi date is October 6.
This Ekadasi falls in Krishna paksha of Ashwin month as per the North Indian calendar whereas as per Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati calendars it falls in Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapad month.
The legend and the significance of Indira Ekadasi are mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhishtira. The legend of Indira Ekadashi is associated with King Indrasena.
On Indira Ekadasi day, Shraddh rituals for dead ancestors are performed. Departed souls leave their world on this day and come back to this world and see whether their descendents observe fasting for them or not. Usually, Ekadashi vrata is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavatha and Vishnu Purana are recited during Indira Ekadasi vrat.
Read Indira Ekadashi Vrat Katha – here