Dol Gyaras 2026: When is Dol Gyaras? Date, Puja Vidhi, Dol Yatra, Significance and Jal Jhulni Ekadashi
When is Dol Gyaras 2026? Know the Dol Gyaras date on September 22, puja vidhi, Ekadashi fast, Dol Yatra, significance of Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, and traditions.
Dol Gyaras 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Story, Significance, Dol Yatra and Jal Jhulni Ekadashi
Dol Gyaras 2026 is an important religious festival observed in Hindu tradition, especially in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and surrounding regions. In many places, it is also known as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, Parivartini Ekadashi, or Parshva Ekadashi.
On this day, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, or the presiding deity of a temple according to local tradition is worshipped with special rituals. In many places, there is a tradition of placing a beautifully decorated idol of the Lord in a dol or palki (palanquin) and taking it to a water body, river, kund, or stepwell. Religious rituals connected with water are then performed there. According to Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the Jal Jhulni Dol Gyaras festival includes processions carrying beautifully decorated Krishna idols in swings or palanquins, along with bhajans, traditional dances, and prayers.
When is Dol Gyaras 2026?
Key information about Dol Gyaras 2026:
- Festival: Dol Gyaras 2026
- Date: September 22, 2026
- Day: Tuesday
- Tithi: Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi
- Other Names: Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, Parivartini Ekadashi, Parshva Ekadashi
- Main Deities: Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and the temple deity according to local tradition
According to the Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi in 2026 will continue from approximately 8:00 PM on September 21 to around 9:43 PM on September 22. Therefore, the main Dol Gyaras/Parivartini Ekadashi observance will be on September 22. Timings may vary slightly according to the local Panchang.
What is Dol Gyaras?
Dol Gyaras is a religious festival observed on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Its name is associated with Dol, meaning a swing or palanquin, and Gyaras, a traditional term for Ekadashi.
On this day, idols of the Lord are beautifully decorated and placed in a dol or palki at many temples. Devotees then take the Lord in a procession toward a water body or river.
The form of this tradition varies from region to region. In some places, a tableau of Lord Krishna is taken out, while in others, an idol of Lord Vishnu or the local presiding deity is carried to the water.
Why is Dol Gyaras Called Jal Jhulni Ekadashi?
Dol Gyaras is known as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi mainly because of regional traditions associated with water and the Dol Yatra of the Lord.
In many places, the idol of the Lord is placed in a dol or palki and taken from the temple to a water body. Religious rituals associated with water are performed there, after which the procession returns to the temple.
For this reason, the festival is particularly associated with water, Dol Yatra, and devotion to the Lord.
Dol Gyaras and Parivartini Ekadashi
Dol Gyaras is associated with Parivartini Ekadashi or Parshva Ekadashi in many Panchangs and religious traditions.
According to religious belief, during Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu remains in Yog Nidra in the cosmic ocean. On Parivartini Ekadashi, it is believed that the Lord changes His sleeping position or turns to another side. Because of this belief, the day is known as Parivartini or Parshva Ekadashi.
According to the 2026 Panchang, Parivartini/Parshva Ekadashi falls on September 22.
Religious Significance of Dol Gyaras
Dol Gyaras is considered a special occasion for devotees to worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.
On this day, devotees:
- Worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
- Observe the Ekadashi fast.
- Visit temples for darshan.
- Participate in bhajans and kirtans.
- Take part in the Dol Yatra.
- Perform religious rituals near water bodies.
- Offer bhog and prasad.
- Donate food or other useful items to people in need.
According to traditional beliefs, observing the Ekadashi fast and worshipping the Lord with devotion is considered a way of nurturing spiritual discipline and devotion.
Dol Gyaras Puja Vidhi
The Puja Vidhi for Dol Gyaras may vary according to regional and temple traditions. At home, the puja can generally be performed in the following way:
1. Take a Bath in the Morning
Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
2. Clean the Puja Area
Clean the place of worship and place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
3. Light a Diya
Light a ghee or oil diya in front of the Lord and offer incense.
4. Bathe the Deity
According to tradition, the idol may be bathed with Panchamrit or clean water.
5. Offer Flowers and Tulsi
Offer flowers and, according to tradition, Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
6. Offer Bhog
Offer fruits, sweets, and other sattvic food items as bhog to the Lord.
7. Chant Mantras
Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
8. Listen to the Story and Sing Bhajans
Listen to the Ekadashi story with family members and sing devotional bhajans or perform kirtan.
9. Perform Aarti
Finally, perform the Lord's aarti and distribute prasad among family members and devotees.
Dol Gyaras Puja Samagri
The following items can generally be kept for Dol Gyaras puja:
- Idol/image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna
- Water
- Panchamrit
- Tulsi leaves
- Flowers and garlands
- Sandalwood paste
- Roli
- Akshat
- Incense sticks
- Diya
- Ghee or oil
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Makhan-Mishri
- Coconut
- Bhog
- Aarti thali
The materials and rituals used during temple Dol Yatra celebrations may vary according to local customs and traditions.
Dol Yatra on Dol Gyaras
One of the most attractive traditions associated with Dol Gyaras is the Dol or Palki Yatra of the Lord.
The idol of the Lord is beautifully decorated with flowers, traditional clothes, and other decorative items. The deity is then placed in a dol or palki, and devotees take the Lord out in a religious procession.
During the procession, devotees may witness:
- Bhajan and kirtan
- Drums and traditional musical instruments
- Religious tableaux
- Floral decorations
- Devotional chants
- Traditional dances
According to Madhya Pradesh Tourism, during the Jal Jhulni Dol Gyaras festival, a beautifully decorated idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a swing or palanquin and taken out in a procession.
Why is the Lord Taken to the Water on Dol Gyaras?
In many regions, there is a tradition of taking the idol of the Lord to a water body, river, kund, or stepwell.
According to local religious traditions, this is considered a Jal Yatra or a ritual associated with water.
This tradition is not identical in every region. Therefore, it is appropriate to follow the customs and rituals of the local temple or family tradition when participating in the Dol Gyaras water procession.
Dol Gyaras Vrat
Many devotees observe an Ekadashi fast on Dol Gyaras.
The type of fasting may differ according to an individual's capacity and family tradition. Some people observe a strict or waterless fast, while others consume fruits or other permitted sattvic foods.
People with health conditions should seek medical advice before undertaking a strict fast.
What to Eat on Dol Gyaras?
If you are observing a fruit-based or fasting diet, the following foods may be consumed according to your tradition:
- Fruits
- Milk
- Curd
- Makhana
- Sabudana
- Singhara flour
- Kuttu flour
- Dry fruits
- Rock salt
The rules regarding fasting food may vary among different traditions, sects, and families.
What Not to Eat on Dol Gyaras?
In many Ekadashi fasting traditions, grains and several types of pulses are avoided.
However, fasting rules can vary according to region, sect, and family tradition. Therefore, follow the fasting practices prescribed by your local Panchang or family tradition.
Spiritual Message of Dol Gyaras
Dol Gyaras is not only a festival of religious processions or fasting. It also provides devotees with an opportunity to connect with the Lord through faith, service, and collective devotion.
The major spiritual values associated with this festival include:
- Faith in God
- Devotion and surrender
- Self-discipline
- Spirit of service
- Collective religious unity
- Respect for nature and water
What to Do on Dol Gyaras?
According to their traditions, devotees can:
- Take a bath in the morning and worship the Lord.
- Observe the Ekadashi fast.
- Chant the name of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
- Visit a temple for darshan.
- Participate in the Dol Yatra.
- Sing bhajans and perform kirtan.
- Offer sattvic bhog.
- Donate food or essential items to people in need.
- Keep water sources clean and avoid polluting them.
- Perform the Lord's aarti in the evening.
What Not to Do on Dol Gyaras?
According to religious traditions, devotees should:
- Avoid unnecessary arguments.
- Avoid negative and disrespectful behavior.
- Avoid creating litter during religious events.
- Do not throw plastic or waste into water bodies.
- Do not make the fast unnecessarily difficult beyond your health capacity.
- Respect local temples and religious traditions.
Major Dol Gyaras Celebrations
Large religious celebrations are held in different regions on the occasion of Dol Gyaras.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Jal Jhulni Dol Gyaras Utsav features processions of beautifully decorated idols and religious rituals associated with water.
In Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, celebrations associated with Jal Jhulni Ekadashi are also held on a large scale. According to the tourism department, the festival associated with the Sanwaliya Ji Temple includes processions, a Rath Yatra, the Lord's journey to a kund, bhajans, and cultural programs. In 2026, this event is listed from September 21 to September 23.
Dol Gyaras and the Beliefs Associated with Lord Vishnu
In the religious context of Parivartini Ekadashi, worship of Lord Vishnu is considered especially significant.
Devotees offer yellow flowers, Tulsi, sandalwood, fruits, and sattvic bhog to Lord Vishnu and chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
In regional Dol Gyaras traditions, worship of Lord Krishna or the local presiding deity may also be an important part of the celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dol Gyaras 2026
When is Dol Gyaras 2026?
Dol Gyaras 2026 will be observed on September 22, 2026, Tuesday. It falls on the occasion of Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi.
What are the other names of Dol Gyaras?
In different regions, it is also known as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, Parivartini Ekadashi, and Parshva Ekadashi.
What is the Dol Yatra on Dol Gyaras?
During the Dol Yatra, a beautifully decorated idol of the Lord is placed in a dol or palki and taken by devotees in a procession from the temple to a water body or another religious location.
Which God is worshipped on Dol Gyaras?
According to regional traditions, devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, or the local presiding deity of the temple.
Is Ekadashi fasting observed on Dol Gyaras?
Yes. Since Dol Gyaras is associated with Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi, many devotees observe an Ekadashi fast. Fasting rules may differ according to individual traditions.
Why is Dol Gyaras called Jal Jhulni Ekadashi?
In many regions, the tradition of taking the idol of the Lord in a dol or palki to a water body and performing religious rituals associated with water is one of the reasons the festival is known as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi.
Conclusion
Dol Gyaras 2026 will be observed on September 22. The festival is known for Ekadashi fasting, devotion to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, Dol Yatra, religious rituals associated with water, bhajans and kirtans, and collective religious celebrations.
The regional traditions of Dol Gyaras may differ from one place to another, but the central spirit of the festival is associated with devotion, faith, service, and surrender to the Lord.
Devotees observe this festival with श्रद्धा through puja, fasting, bhajans, Dol Yatra, and acts of charity.
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