Tulsi Vivah 2023: Here's everything about this ancient festival
What's the story
November 24 this year marks the celebration of a lesser-known Hindu festival called Tulsi Vivah, which is celebrated across India with a lot of traditions. The day features the wedding of Tulsi (holy basil) to Shaligram (a form of Lord Vishnu) and occurs on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. Here's everything you should know about this festival.
History
History: The festival is associated with a pious woman Vrinda
According to Hindu mythology, a demon king named Jalandhar married a pious and religious woman Vrinda. He was blessed with a power that he would stay invincible as long as his wife remained faithful to him. Lord Vishnu violated Vrinda's chastity and the evil king tasted defeat. The angry Vrinda then cursed Lord Vishnu and made him Shaligram (a stone) and herself Tulsi.
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Lord Vishnu as Shaligram, in repentance, promised to marry Tulsi
Lord Vishnu as Shaligram took a vow that we would marry Vrinda (Tulsi) every year on the auspicious day of Kartik Ekadashi. This is why even today this festival is celebrated, especially by couples to seek happiness and blessings in their relationship.
Significance
Significance: Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands
This festival is of significant importance to married women in India as they perform puja on this sacred occasion for the good health and prosperity of their husbands and family members. It also serves as a reminder of how purity and devotion are important in one's life and should always be followed. In Hinduism, this festival signifies the beginning of the wedding season.
Rituals
Rituals: Those celebrating follow a host of traditions
On the occasion of Tulsi Vivah, people wake up early and take a holy bath before sunrise. Post that, they clean their prayer room and place Tulsi and Shaligram together. They are then decorated as bride and groom. The family recites prayers and performs all the marriage rituals as per Hindu mythology. Later, bhog is prepared and served among all the devotees.
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Why should you perform Tulsi Vivah puja?
Tulsi Vivah puja is believed to offer a lot of benefits like removing all obstacles from your life and safeguarding you and your family from misfortune. Additionally, it removes marriage-related problems. Child-less couples who perform Tulsi kanyadan are blessed with kids.