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About Guruvayur Ekadasi

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About Guruvayur Ekadasi

Guruvayur Ekadasi is the biggest day of the year at the Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur, Thrissur district, Kerala. It falls on the Ekadasi of the bright fortnight in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, in November or December.

Devotees believe Lord Krishna taught the Bhagavad Gita on this day. Many fast from rice, pray through the day and break the fast on Dwadasi with a simple meal. The temple stays open almost without a break from Dasami to Dwadasi morning.

For about a month before, families and groups sponsor rows of oil lamps around the temple, a custom called Ekadasi Vilakku, and the last night glows with thousands of lamps. Elephants carry the Lord in the grand procession of the day.

The day also closes the Chembai Sangeetholsavam, a music festival of about two weeks in which singers of all ages offer songs to Guruvayurappan, ending with a group singing of the Pancharatna Kritis.

How people celebrate Guruvayur Ekadasi

  • Fasting and prayer through the day
  • Ekadasi Vilakku, rows of oil lamps
  • Elephant procession for the Lord
  • Chembai music festival
  • Dwadasi Panam offering the next day
  • Reading the Bhagavad Gita

How to wish well

  • Send wishes early on the morning of the Ekadasi, as many devotees are at the temple before dawn.
  • "Guruvayurappa Saranam" and "Hare Krishna" are warm lines to add.
  • This is a devotional day: blessings suit it better than jokes.

Questions about Guruvayur Ekadasi

When is Guruvayur Ekadasi 2026?

Guruvayur Ekadasi falls on the bright-half Ekadasi in Vrischikam. In 2026 it is on 21 November; see the date shown on this page.

Why is Guruvayur Ekadasi special?

It is the main day of the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple, and devotees believe the Bhagavad Gita was taught on this day.

What is Ekadasi Vilakku?

Rows of oil lamps lit around the Guruvayur temple each evening in the weeks before Ekadasi, sponsored by families and groups.

What is the Chembai Sangeetholsavam?

A music festival at Guruvayur, held in memory of a great singer and devotee, that runs for about two weeks and ends on Ekadasi.

What is Dwadasi Panam?

An offering of coins made on the day after Ekadasi at the temple, before devotees break their fast.

What do you say on Guruvayur Ekadasi?

Say "Blessed Guruvayur Ekadasi" or, in Malayalam, "ഗുരുവായൂർ ഏകാദശി ആശംസകൾ".

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