Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. It is the first Ekadashi after the lunar new year of Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, falling just after Ram Navami closes the nine nights.
2026
Sunday, 29 March 2026
2027
Saturday, 17 April 2027
The day at a glance
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Significance
The katha is of the gandharva Lalit, cursed into a rakshasa’s body for letting his mind wander from his song at the king’s court, and of Lalita, who kept this fast until he was restored. “Kamada” names the day as the fulfiller of what is longed for: in the story, a marriage put back together.
How Kamada Ekadashi is observed
Devotees fast from grains, worship Vishnu with flowers, tulsi and lamps, and keep the day quietly before breaking the fast at the Dwadashi parana. Coming so soon after the new year, it is often a household’s first vrat of the year.
FAQ
What does Kamada mean?
“The giver of what is desired.” In the katha it is Lalita’s wish for her husband’s true form that the fast answers.
When in the year does Kamada Ekadashi fall?
In the bright fortnight of Chaitra, days after Gudi Padwa and Ugadi: the first Ekadashi of the new lunar year.
Is it connected to Chaitra Navratri?
It falls in the same bright fortnight, a day or two after Ram Navami closes the nine nights.
Around the same season
Plan around Kamada Ekadashi
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