- Kartik Shukla Ekadashi or Dwadashi
- October or November
- Start of wedding season
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP
Where it began
Tulsi, holy basil, is grown and worshipped in many Hindu homes. She is seen as a form of Goddess Lakshmi and is very dear to Lord Vishnu.
Legend says Tulsi was once Vrinda, a devoted wife. Moved by her faith, Vishnu blessed her to be worshipped as the tulsi plant and promised to marry her.
The wedding comes after Prabodhini Ekadashi, the day Vishnu is said to wake from his four months of sleep. With his waking, weddings and other happy events begin again.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
The tulsi plant is honoured in the Puranas, and the story of Vrinda is told in them.
Medieval period
Home worship of the tulsi plant spreads, and the yearly wedding becomes a family rite.
Modern times
Temples and housing societies hold group Tulsi weddings with music and sweets.
Today
Families across India and Nepal hold the wedding at home, and the human wedding season starts soon after.
How it is celebrated in different places
Maharashtra
The tulsi pot is painted, a sugarcane mandap is built, and the wedding is held at dusk with songs.
Gujarat
Families and temples hold a full wedding with a groom's procession for Shaligram.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Women dress the tulsi as a bride with a red cloth and bangles.
Nepal
Families hold the rite at home and in temples in the month of Kartik.
Tulsi Vivah moments
Tulsi Vivah today
Families decorate the tulsi plant like a bride, set up a small mandap of sugarcane, and hold a short wedding with mantras and songs. They share sweets, fruit and sugarcane with neighbours.
