Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Tulsi Vivah
Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) to Lord Vishnu (represented by the Shaligram stone or an image of Lord Krishna). It is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi), the day Vishnu wakes from his four-month cosmic sleep (Chaturmas), and marks the resumption of all auspicious activities including weddings. The marriage of Tulsi to Vishnu is believed to grant the merit of performing a daughter's wedding. The festival officially ends the inauspicious period and opens the Hindu wedding season.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Marks the end of Chaturmas (four-month auspicious pause) and reopens the Hindu wedding season. Sponsoring or witnessing Tulsi Vivah is equivalent to the merit of giving one's own daughter in marriage. It honors Tulsi as Vishnu's beloved consort and the most sacred plant in Hinduism.
Rituals & Traditions
Decorate the Tulsi plant with a red dupatta/sari and jewelry. Place a Shaligram stone or Krishna idol beside it. Perform wedding rituals (saat phere — circumambulations). Chant Vishnu Sahasranama. Light sugarcane stalks as the wedding mandap. Offer flowers, sindoor, and sweets. Distribute prasad to neighbors.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Tulsi Vivah?
Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) to Lord Vishnu (represented by the Shaligram stone or an image of Lord Krishna). It is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi), the day Vishnu wakes from...
Q.What is the significance of Tulsi Vivah?
Marks the end of Chaturmas (four-month auspicious pause) and reopens the Hindu wedding season. Sponsoring or witnessing Tulsi Vivah is equivalent to the merit of giving one's own daughter in marriage. It honors Tulsi as Vishnu's beloved consort and the most sacred plant in Hinduism.
Q.What are the rituals of Tulsi Vivah?
Decorate the Tulsi plant with a red dupatta/sari and jewelry. Place a Shaligram stone or Krishna idol beside it. Perform wedding rituals (saat phere — circumambulations). Chant Vishnu Sahasranama. Light sugarcane stalks as the wedding mandap. Offer flowers, sindoor, and sweets. Distribute prasad to neighbors.
Q.What foods are made during Tulsi Vivah?
Amla (Indian gooseberry), Sugarcane, Panchamrit, Tulsi prasad, Kheer