Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026: Rangbhari Ekadashi is special in Kashi, here blessings of both Shiva and Vishnu are showered.

Rangbhari Ekadashi 2026: Today is Rangbhari Ekadashi. Today Baba Vishwanath’s ‘Gauna Utsav’ has started in Kashi. Devotees are celebrating the festival of Holi today with Bhole Baba. Rangbhari Ekadashi is considered to be the most unique and spiritually energetic date of Kashi. Generally Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but Rangbhari Ekadashi is considered to be of Shiva-Shakti in Kashi.

This is the reason why it is considered to be the only Ekadashi of the year on which devotees receive the blessings of both Hari and Har i.e. Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The center of the festival of Rangbhari Ekadashi is the temple of Kashi Vishwanath, where the tradition of Gauna Utsav of Baba Vishwanath is being followed since ancient times. It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva formally brought Mother Parvati to Kashi after her marriage.

Ekadashi fasting and Shiva worship

Special adornment of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati is done in the temple premises. Abir-gulal is offered to him and devotees symbolically play Holi with Baba. There is a religious belief that Ekadashi fast is the best means to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Fast is observed on this day. Vishnu Sahasranama is recited. Night vigil is conducted.

Special significance of Shiva worship in Kashi

However, worshiping Shiva in Kashi on Rangbhari Ekadashi also has special significance. Offering gulal on Shivalinga, offering Bilva leaves and chanting Om Namah Shivay proves to be very fruitful. By fasting and worshiping Shiva on this day, the seeker gets double the results. Every year on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi, the streets of Kashi are seen filled with devotees.

Devotees come to Varanasi from all over the country and abroad. From the Ganga ghats to the temples, an atmosphere of devotion and joy is visible. Married women worship Goddess Parvati on this day and ask for unbroken good fortune. Chanting, penance and donation done on the day of Rangbhari Ekadashi is considered very beneficial.

Also read: Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 Mantras: Chant these mantras on the day of Amalaki Ekadashi, you will get freedom from the bondage of birth and death!