Prabodhini Ekadashi 2026

Kartika Shukla Ekadashi is called Prabodhini, Dev Uthi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi. According to tradition, Vishnu awakens from the Yoga Nidra of Chaturmas on this day. Worship celebrates his awakening, and many observances undertaken during Chaturmas are completed.

Tradition holds that the period beginning with Vishnu's rest on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi ends with his awakening on Kartika Shukla Ekadashi. He is depicted resting on Shesha in the Ocean of Milk. During these four months, devotees give more attention to worship, reading, charity and self-discipline. Prabodhini celebrates the completion of this period.

In the Padma Purana, Yudhishthira asks Krishna about the importance of Kartika Shukla Ekadashi. Krishna replies by recalling a conversation between Brahma and Narada. Brahma explains to Narada the greatness of this Ekadashi that awakens Vishnu. Alongside fasting and worship, the account values listening to the Lord's stories, singing bhajans, playing instruments and keeping a night vigil. It also describes worship with flowers, fruits and fragrant offerings. This account explains a tradition of devotion and religious observance.

In many temples today, bhajans are sung, bells and conches sound, and worship is offered to awaken the Lord. Those who gave up a food or undertook a special reading during Chaturmas complete their observances according to their tradition. Many Hindu families regard the period after this day as the season when auspicious occasions such as weddings resume. Tulsi Vivah is also celebrated around this time. Its tithi can vary by region and family.

The day is connected with Vishnu's awakening and the completion of Chaturmas. Completing the four months' observances, making time for devotion, charity and service are important customs. Tulsi Vivah and the opening of the wedding season make it a joyful period for many families.

Vishnu and Krishna temples arrange darshan, aarti, devotional singing and storytelling. Some families light a lamp before the Lord at home and pray for him to awaken. Those keeping a night vigil spend the time in bhajans, kirtan and reading.

Families celebrating Tulsi Vivah decorate the Tulsi planter and conduct a wedding ceremony with Shaligram or a form of Krishna. Some observe it on Ekadashi, others on Dwadashi or another day up to Kartika Purnima. The day is chosen according to local tradition.

The Ekadashi vrat is kept according to health and tradition. Many avoid grains and pulses and take fruit-based fasting food. On Dwadashi the next day, they end the fast at the time specified by their local panchang. Family or temple traditions guide the completion of the vrat and Chaturmas observances.

In northern India, this day is known as Dev Uthani or Devotthana Ekadashi. In Gujarat, it is called Dev Uthi or Prabodhini Ekadashi. In Maharashtra, Warkari devotees visit Pandharpur for Vitthal's darshan on Kartiki Ekadashi.

Some Gujarati traditions also call this Ekadashi Dev Diwali. In Kashi, the major Dev Deepawali celebration on the Ganga ghats takes place on Kartika Purnima. These are different tithis. Traditions also differ over the completion of Chaturmas observances and the timing of Tulsi Vivah.