Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Kamika Ekadashi 2026: First Shravan Ekadashi Begins August 8
Ekadashi is a special holy day in the Hindu religion when people fast and pray to Lord Vishnu.
The first Ekadashi in the holy month of Shravan, also called Sawan, is known as Kamika Ekadashi.
The name Kamika means 'desire,' so people believe this day helps them share their dreams and wishes with God.
This year, the special time for this day starts on August 8 and ends on August 9, and the fast is observed on August 10.
People also worship goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Two stories, called vrat kathas, are told about this Ekadashi.
In one story, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira to keep the fast to solve his problems.
In another story, a man who killed a brahmin was forgiven by Lord Vishnu after he kept the fast and repented.
People believe that keeping this fast washes away their sins.
Kamika Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi of the holy Shravan (Sawan) month, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi.
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 05:29 PM on August 8, 2026, and ends at 02:34 PM on August 9, 2026.
According to Drik Panchang, the fast is observed on Sunday, August 10, 2026, with Parana time from 04:56 AM to 07:40 AM.
The word 'Kamika' means 'desire,' and the day is believed to help devotees get their dreams and aspirations fulfilled.
The vrat katha includes Lord Krishna advising Yudhishthira to observe the Ekadashi fast, and a man being forgiven by Lord Vishnu after repenting for killing a brahmin.
The article notes conflicting observation dates (August 8, 9, and 10), with Drik Panchang specifying August 10 as the observance day.
- Who
- Hindu devotees observing the fast, worshipping Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi.
- What
- Kamika Ekadashi, the first Ekadashi of the Shravan (Sawan) month, with fasting, rituals, and vrat katha.
- When
- Ekadashi Tithi begins at 05:29 PM on August 8, 2026, and ends at 02:34 PM on August 9, 2026; the fast is observed on Sunday, August 10, 2026.
- Where
- India, where the northern part is already observing the holy month of Shravan.
- Why
- The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi and is believed to fulfill devotees' desires and wash away their sins.
- Festival
- Kamika Ekadashi
- Month
- Shravan (Sawan), Krishna Paksha
- Deities Worshipped
- Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi
- Meaning of 'Kamika'
- Desire or aspiration
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins
- 05:29 PM, August 8, 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends
- 02:34 PM, August 9, 2026
- Fast Observation Date
- August 10, 2026 (per Drik Panchang)
- Parana Time
- 04:56 AM to 07:40 AM, August 10, 2026