Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026 marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in Kashi, with devotees worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, performing Amalaki puja, and observing the Ekadashi fast
Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026 Correct Date, Parana Time and Why It Is Also Called Amalaki Ekadashi (Source: Gemini AI)
Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026: Rangbhari Ekadashi will be observed on February 27, 2026. On this sacred day, devotees should wake up early, meditate on Lord Vishnu, and take a vow to observe the Ekadashi fast. After completing the morning bath and daily rituals, devotees should worship Lord Vishnu with devotion. During the puja, amla (Indian gooseberry) should be offered as prasad. Worship of the amla tree is also considered important, followed by feeding a poor person or a Brahmin.
Rangbhari Ekadashi is also called Amalaki Ekadashi. This day is closely associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Varanasi (Kashi). According to religious beliefs, the festival marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in Kashi. In 2026, Rangbhari Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 27.
As per the Drik Panchang, the Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 12:33 am on February 27 and will end at 10:32 pm the same day. Since the fast is observed based on the Udaya Tithi, devotees will observe the Amalaki Ekadashi fast on Friday, February 27, 2026. Rangbhari Ekadashi will also be celebrated on the same day.
The Parana (fast-breaking) will be done on February 28, between 6:47 am and 9:06 am.
In Kashi, the Ekadashi of the Phalguna Shukla Paksha is celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi. On this day, Baba Vishwanath is adorned with a special decoration, and the city begins to fill with the colors of Holi. According to belief, after their marriage, Lord Shiva visited Kashi for the first time with Goddess Parvati, and this festival is celebrated in memory of that event.
A grand procession of Lord Shiva is taken out, where devotees celebrate by throwing abir and gulal. From this day, the tradition of playing with colors in Kashi continues for six days.
On Rangbhari Ekadashi, special worship of the amla (Indian gooseberry) tree is performed. Due to the importance of amla on this day, the Ekadashi is also known as Amalaki Ekadashi. Religious belief says that worshipping the amla tree brings good health, prosperity, and good fortune. This is why amla is offered to God and later consumed as prasad.
Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes
Visit a Shiva temple with water, sandalwood paste, bel leaves, and abir-gulal
First apply sandalwood paste on the Shivling
Offer bel leaves and water
Finally, offer abir-gulal
Pray for relief from financial problems and overall well-being
Visit the amla tree after morning bath
Offer water at its roots
Light a diya and offer incense and flowers
Perform 9 or 27 circumambulations
Pray for health and prosperity
Planting an amla sapling on this day is considered very auspicious
In Hindu tradition, nature is considered a form of God. Worshipping trees, rivers, and living beings reflects the idea of protection and respect for nature. The amla tree is regarded as both medicinal and sacred, which is why its worship holds special importance on Rangbhari Ekadashi.
