The beginning of a new year is considered highly auspicious in Sanatan Dharma, especially when it starts with the sacred observance of Ekadashi. The first Ekadashi of 2026 falls in the holy month of January and is known as Shattila Ekadashi. Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna observe this Ekadashi with fasting, devotion, and charity to cleanse past karmas and invite divine blessings.
This blog explains everything you need to know about Ekadashi in January, including Shattila Ekadashi: January 14, 2026 (Wednesday), its significance, vrat rules, and 1st Ekadashi 2026 ISKCON fasting guidelines.
What Is the First Ekadashi of 2026?
The 1st Ekadashi 2026 date marks Shattila Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of Magh month. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and is especially powerful for spiritual purification.
Observing the first Ekadashi of the year is believed to:
-
Remove sins accumulated from past lives
-
Bring mental peace and clarity
-
Strengthen bhakti and discipline for the whole year
Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date & Day
🗓 Shattila Ekadashi: January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
This sacred Ekadashi is observed on Wednesday, making it even more auspicious for Vishnu and Krishna devotees.
Quick Details
-
Ekadashi Name: Shattila Ekadashi
-
Month: January 2026
-
Paksha: Krishna Paksha
-
Lord Worshipped: Shri Vishnu / Shri Krishna
-
Significance: Use of Til (black sesame) in six sacred ways
Why Ekadashi in January Is Spiritually Powerful
Ekadashi in January holds special importance because it helps devotees begin the year with spiritual discipline. Fasting, chanting, and charity performed on this day are believed to multiply in spiritual merit.
January Ekadashi helps in:
-
Detoxifying body and mind
-
Creating spiritual focus for the year
-
Strengthening devotion toward Lord Krishna
Meaning and Significance of Shattila Ekadashi
The word “Shattila” means six types of use of Til (black sesame seeds):
-
Consuming til
-
Applying til paste
-
Bathing with til water
-
Offering til in puja
-
Donating til
-
Lighting lamps with til oil
According to scriptures, observing Shattila Ekadashi with devotion removes poverty, sins, and negative energies while granting divine protection.
1st Ekadashi 2026 ISKCON Fasting Rules
ISKCON follows strict Ekadashi principles based on Vaishnava scriptures.
Foods NOT Allowed on Ekadashi
-
Rice, wheat, barley
-
Pulses and lentils
-
Beans and grain-based items
Allowed Foods (Ekadashi Friendly)
-
Fruits and fruit juices
-
Milk, curd, butter, ghee
-
Nuts and dry fruits
-
Vegetables (without grains)
-
Rock salt (sendha namak)
Devotees are encouraged to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as much as possible and avoid unnecessary activities.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi (Simple Steps)
-
Wake up early and take a holy bath
-
Wear clean, light-colored clothes
-
Apply Tilak and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
-
Observe fasting as per capacity
-
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Hare Krishna Mahamantra
-
Donate til, food, or spiritual items
-
Break fast (Parana) on Dwadashi as per timing
Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi
-
Purification of past karmas
-
Protection from negativity
-
Growth in devotion and discipline
-
Prosperity and peace in life
-
Strengthened connection with Lord Krishna
What to Eat on Shattila Ekadashi
-
Fruits & milk
-
Til laddoo (without grains)
-
Coconut and dry fruits
-
Sabudana dishes
-
Herbal tea or warm milk
Importance of Tulsi Mala & Naam Jaap on Ekadashi
Ekadashi is the best day to wear or continue wearing a Tulsi Kanthi Mala and increase Naam Jaap.
Using a Jaap Counter helps in:
-
Maintaining focus during chanting
-
Increasing daily naam jaap count
-
Building consistency in sadhana
👉 Prepare for the first Ekadashi of 2026 with pure Tulsi Kanthi Mala and Naam Jaap Counters from MalaMantra.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the first Ekadashi of 2026?
The first Ekadashi of 2026 is Shattila Ekadashi, observed on January 14, 2026 (Wednesday).
Q2. Is Shattila Ekadashi important in ISKCON?
Yes, ISKCON devotees strictly observe Ekadashi fasting and increase chanting and devotion on this day.
Q3. Can we eat grains on Ekadashi?
No, grains and pulses are avoided as per Vaishnava traditions.
Q4. Can we wear Tulsi Mala on Ekadashi?
Yes, wearing Tulsi Mala on Ekadashi is highly auspicious and spiritually beneficial.
