Indira Ekadashi Vrat, Ekadashi Shraddha To Be Observed On October 6

Indira Ekadashi vrat and Ekadashi Shraddha, also known as Gyaras Shraddha, will be observed on 6 October 2026 during Pitru Paksha. The observance is associated with the remembrance of ancestors, offerings made for their peace and the worship of Lord Vishnu.

According to the cited Panchang details, the Ekadashi tithi will begin at 02:07 on 6 October and end at 12:34 on 7 October. Based on the Udaya Tithi, the Indira Ekadashi fast will be kept on 6 October.

When is Ekadashi Shraddha in Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is currently being observed, and the Ekadashi Shraddha will be performed on 6 October. This Shraddha is dedicated to ancestors who passed away on the Ekadashi tithi of either the Krishna Paksha or the Shukla Paksha in any month.

The observance is also called Gyaras Shraddha. It is described as an occasion dedicated to praying for the peace and salvation of the souls of the ancestors. Indira Ekadashi vrat will also be observed on the same date.

The date mentioned for the observance is 6 October 2026. The cited reports identify the day as Tuesday.

Ekadashi tithi timings

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi tithi will begin at 02:07 on 6 October. The tithi will continue until 12:34 on 7 October. Another cited report gives the beginning of the tithi as 2:07 and says it will remain in effect until 12:34 on 7 October.

The Indira Ekadashi fast will therefore be observed on 6 October according to the Udaya Tithi. Those observing the fast will perform the Parana on the following day, 7 October. The auspicious time given for Parana is from 6:16 to 8:39 in the morning.

The tithi timings are important for devotees observing the fast as well as for those performing Ekadashi Shraddha. The reports separately mention 6 October for the fast and Shraddha and 7 October for the Parana.

Kutup Muhurat for Ekadashi Shraddha

Kutup Muhurat is described as the most suitable period for performing Shraddha rituals. On 6 October, the Kutup Vela will be from 11:46 in the morning to 12:33 in the afternoon.

Those performing Ekadashi Shraddha may use this period for the Shraddha rites mentioned in the report. The ritual begins with the person waking up before sunrise and taking a bath. After bathing, the person is advised to wear clean clothes and maintain personal cleanliness before beginning the Shraddha ceremony.

The person performing the rites is also advised to remember the ancestors with devotion. The instructions describe the ceremony as an act carried out with reverence and remembrance of the ancestors.

How is Ekadashi Shraddha performed?

The person performing the Shraddha is advised to sit facing south. A pind prepared with barley, rice, black sesame, milk, ghee and honey is then offered to the ancestors. The offering is accompanied by a prayer for the peace of their souls.

After the pind offering, Tarpan is performed with water, kusha, barley and black sesame held in the hands. During the Tarpan, the ancestors are remembered with श्रद्धा and devotion.

The cited ritual guidance also mentions offering food to a cow, a crow, a dog, ants and fish. It further says that food and water should be placed with devotion under a Peepal tree. The report also mentions giving the prepared food to poor Brahmins.

These steps are presented as part of the Shraddha observance for ancestors. The stated purpose of the offerings and prayers is to seek peace for the ancestors’ souls.

What food is prepared for Shraddha?

Sattvik food is prepared for the Shraddha ceremony. Onion and garlic are not used in this food. Kheer, puri and vegetables are among the preparations mentioned in the report.

After the food offerings and feeding arrangements, the report advises giving charity and Dakshina to the poor according to one’s capacity. The cited guidance does not prescribe one fixed amount for the donation.

The ritual instructions also connect food offerings with the feeding of a cow, a crow, a dog, ants, fish and poor Brahmins. Food and water are also mentioned for placement under a Peepal tree.

Indira Ekadashi significance

Indira Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha and is described as having special importance in Hindu religious belief. According to the cited religious belief, worshipping Lord Vishnu according to the prescribed rituals and observing the fast can help ancestors attain salvation.

The same belief says that the blessings of ancestors remain with the family. This is why Indira Ekadashi is described as a significant fast connected both with the welfare of ancestors and the worship of Lord Vishnu.

Devotees observing the fast recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, chant Lord Vishnu’s mantras and take part in bhajan and kirtan. Another account says that devotees remember their ancestors and perform worship, charity and religious acts in their name.

The religious belief cited in the report holds that observing Indira Ekadashi with devotion and worshipping Lord Vishnu can bring peace and salvation to the ancestors. It also describes the observance as a way of expressing the wish for happiness, peace and prosperity in the family.

The fast is further described as a means of expressing gratitude towards one’s ancestors. The reports present this as a religious belief and tradition connected with Pitru Paksha.

Indira Ekadashi puja vidhi

On Indira Ekadashi, devotees are advised to bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes before worshipping Lord Vishnu. The puja offerings mentioned include incense, lamps, yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves and fruits.

Those observing the fast are expected to remain without food during the day according to the cited account. The same account mentions reciting Vishnu mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama.

Another set of instructions also mentions reading the Bhagavad Gita or religious scriptures during the fast. Tarpan for the ancestors and donations to people in need are also part of the traditions described in the reports.

The religious account says that devotees perform these acts for the peace of their ancestors. The observance therefore includes both Vishnu worship and acts performed in remembrance of the ancestors.

Parana time on 7 October

Those observing the Indira Ekadashi fast will break it on 7 October. The Parana period given in the cited Panchang details is from 6:16 in the morning to 8:39 in the morning.

The reports distinguish between the day of the fast and the day of Parana. The fast and Indira Ekadashi observance are scheduled for 6 October, while the stated Parana time falls on 7 October.

For Ekadashi Shraddha, the cited report gives 6 October as the date and 11:46 to 12:33 as the Kutup Vela. The observance includes pind offering, Tarpan, prayers, food offerings and charity as described in the ritual guidance.