The Telugu calendar for the year 2026, known as "Virodhi Nama Samvatsaram", is a vital guide for millions of devotees across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the global Telugu diaspora. This traditional almanac outlines the sacred days for observing important fasts and rituals. For spiritual planning, knowing the precise dates for Ekadashi, Pradosh, and Sankashti Chaturthi is essential. This article provides a comprehensive, month-wise list of these significant observances to help you align your spiritual practices with the lunar cycle throughout 2026.
Understanding the Key Fasting Days in the Telugu Calendar
The Hindu lunar calendar marks several days each month dedicated to specific deities and spiritual cleansing. The three most widely observed vrats (fasts) are Ekadashi, Pradosh, and Sankashti. Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) lunar phases. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and observing a fast on this day is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual liberation.
Pradosh Vrat is observed on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of both lunar fortnights, during the twilight period. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees believe this fast fulfills desires and removes hardships. Sankashti Chaturthi is the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon), dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The fast is broken after sighting the moon in the evening, and it is considered highly potent for removing obstacles (Sankat) and ensuring success in new ventures.
Month-Wise Telugu Calendar 2026: Ekadashi, Pradosh, Sankashti Dates
Here is the detailed schedule for the entire year 2026, according to the Telugu calendar. All dates are based on the prevailing Amavasyant calendar system followed in Telugu regions. Devotees should note that the exact tithi (lunar day) timings may vary slightly based on location and sunrise, and local Panchangam should be consulted for precise observance times.
January 2026 (Margashira - Pushya)
The year begins with Putrada Ekadashi on January 8th (Krishna Paksha). The Pradosh fast falls on January 10th, and Sankashti Chaturthi is on January 6th. The Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, Shattila Ekadashi, is on January 23rd, followed by Pradosh on January 25th.
February 2026 (Pushya - Magha)
In February, observe Jaya Ekadashi on February 7th (Krishna Paksha) and Vijaya Ekadashi on February 22nd (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh Vrat dates are February 9th and February 24th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on February 5th.
March 2026 (Magha - Phalguna)
March features Vijaya Ekadashi on March 8th (Krishna Paksha) and the highly significant Amalaki Ekadashi on March 23rd (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh is on March 10th and March 25th. Sankashti falls on March 6th.
April 2026 (Phalguna - Chaitra)
This month includes Papamochani Ekadashi on April 7th (Krishna Paksha) and Kamada Ekadashi on April 22nd (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh Vrat is on April 9th and April 24th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on April 4th.
May 2026 (Chaitra - Vaisakha)
May holds Varuthini Ekadashi on May 6th (Krishna Paksha) and Mohini Ekadashi on May 21st (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh dates are May 8th and May 23rd. Sankashti is on May 4th.
June 2026 (Vaisakha - Jyeshtha)
Observe Apara Ekadashi on June 5th (Krishna Paksha) and Nirjala Ekadashi, the most austere waterless fast, on June 20th (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh falls on June 7th and June 22nd. Sankashti Chaturthi is on June 2nd.
July 2026 (Jyeshtha - Ashadha)
July includes Yogini Ekadashi on July 4th (Krishna Paksha) and the sacred Devshayani Ekadashi on July 19th (Shukla Paksha), which marks the start of Chaturmas. Pradosh is on July 6th and July 21st. Sankashti is on July 2nd.
August 2026 (Ashadha - Shravana)
This month has Kamika Ekadashi on August 3rd (Krishna Paksha) and Shravana Putrada Ekadashi on August 18th (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh Vrat is on August 5th and August 20th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on July 31st.
September 2026 (Shravana - Bhadrapada)
September features Aja Ekadashi on September 1st (Krishna Paksha) and Parivartini Ekadashi on September 16th (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh falls on September 3rd and September 18th. Sankashti is on August 30th.
October 2026 (Bhadrapada - Ashwin)
Observe Indira Ekadashi on October 1st (Krishna Paksha) and Papankusha Ekadashi on October 16th (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh is on October 3rd and October 18th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on September 29th.
November 2026 (Ashwin - Kartika)
A spiritually significant month, November has Rama Ekadashi on October 31st (Krishna Paksha) and the immensely holy Devutthana Ekadashi on November 14th (Shukla Paksha), ending Chaturmas. Pradosh Vrat is on November 2nd and November 16th. Sankashti is on October 28th.
December 2026 (Kartika - Margashira)
The year concludes with Utpanna Ekadashi on November 30th (Krishna Paksha) and Mokshada Ekadashi on December 14th (Shukla Paksha). Pradosh dates are December 2nd and December 16th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on November 27th. The final Ekadashi of the year, Saphala Ekadashi, falls on December 29th (Krishna Paksha).
Planning Your Spiritual Year with the Telugu Panchangam
Having this complete list for the Telugu Calendar 2026 allows devotees to plan their spiritual and personal schedules in advance. Observing these fasts with devotion is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings. It is recommended to consult a local priest or a detailed Panchangam for the exact sunrise timings, parana (breaking fast) time for Ekadashi, and moonrise time for Sankashti, as these are critical for proper observance. By aligning with these ancient rhythms, followers of the Telugu tradition can navigate the year 2026 with faith and spiritual purpose.
