RamaEkadashi
‖ 5 November 2026 (Thursday) ‖
Kartik Krishna Ekadashi — the fast that falls a few days before Diwali. Here "Rama" is a name of Goddess Lakshmi, not of Lord Rama.
For Shyam devotees the start of the month of Kartik is the most awaited stretch of the year — Baba’s Janmotsav falls in its bright fortnight. Rama Ekadashi is the month’s first Ekadashi, arriving only days before the Diwali lamps are lit.
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Rama means Lakshmi
"Rama" is one of the names of Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort and his power. That is why Lakshmi is worshipped alongside Vishnu on this day. Many devotees hear the name and connect it to Lord Rama, but the association is with Lakshmi.
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On the threshold of Diwali
Rama Ekadashi comes only days before Diwali, and the nearness of the Lakshmi-puja festival adds to its weight. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana holds that this fast, kept with faith, destroys the sins of past births.
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Kartik and Baba’s Janmotsav
Rama Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi of Kartik — and the Ekadashi of that same month’s bright fortnight, Dev Uthani, is the manifestation day of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji. For Shyam devotees this tithi is a signal: Kartik has come, and Baba’s Janmotsav and the Kartik Mela are no longer far off.
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Sattvic food and restraint from the night of Dashami.
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Bathe at dawn on Ekadashi and worship Lakshmi and Narayana together, taking the sankalp.
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Offer tulsi leaves, lotus flowers and lamps; lighting lamps at dusk is especially auspicious.
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Keep the fast through the day, without food or on fruit, as you are able.
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Break the fast on Dwadashi morning after bathing and puja.
HelpfulKhatu Shyam locket / pendantKhatu Shyam idol / murtiShyam Chalisa & Aarti bookPuja samagri kit
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Rama Ekadashi — FAQ
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Is Rama Ekadashi named after Lord Rama?
No. Here "Rama" is a name of Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. That is why Lakshmi is worshipped alongside Vishnu on this day. The confusion is common because of the shared name.
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When does Rama Ekadashi fall?
Rama Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of Kartik, only a few days before Diwali. The next date is given at the top of this page.
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How is this Ekadashi connected to Khatu Shyam Ji?
Rama Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi of the month of Kartik, and the Ekadashi of that month’s bright fortnight — Dev Uthani — is the manifestation day of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji. The Kartik Mela at Khatu follows a few days later.