The festival of Tulsi Vivah is a significant Hindu ritual that celebrates the ceremonial marriage of the holy basil plant, known as Tulsi, to Lord Vishnu or his incarnation, Lord Krishna. This year Tulasi Vivah will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This sacred tradition marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture and holds deep spiritual importance, especially for devotees who revere Tulsi as a goddess.
Tulsi Vivah: Date and Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| Tulasi Vivah | Wednesday, November 13, 2024 |
| Dwadashi Tithi Begins | 04:04 PM on Nov 12, 2024 |
| Dwadashi Tithi Ends | 01:01 PM on Nov 13, 2024 |
In Hindu mythology, Tulsi is not just a plant; she is considered a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, and is worshipped for her divine powers. According to legends, Tulsi was once a woman named Vrinda, who was transformed into a basil plant as a result of a curse. To honor her devotion, Lord Vishnu promised to marry her in the form of the Tulsi plant. The Tulsi Vivah ceremony, therefore, symbolizes this divine union and is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, happiness, and marital harmony.
The festival also signifies the beginning of the winter wedding season in Hindu tradition, as it is considered auspicious to start marriage rituals after Tulsi Vivah.
Tulsi Vivah: Rituals
The Tulsi Vivah ceremony involves specific rituals that vary slightly in different regions but generally follow a similar pattern. Here is a step-by-step guide to the rituals observed during Tulsi Vivah:
1. Preparation of the Venue:
A small altar or mandap is set up in the home or temple, where the Tulsi plant is placed as the bride. The plant is decorated with colorful clothes, jewelry, and red sindoor (vermillion), symbolizing a bride. A small idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna is placed beside Tulsi, representing the groom.
2. The Wedding Ceremony:
Priests or household members perform a puja (prayer ceremony) to sanctify the marriage. They recite traditional Vedic mantras, invoking blessings for a successful and harmonious union. Similar to a Hindu wedding, a sacred thread may be tied around the Tulsi plant and the idol, symbolizing the marital bond.
3. Exchange of Garlands:
Tulsi and Lord Vishnu’s idols are adorned with flower garlands, symbolizing the acceptance of each other in marriage. This exchange of garlands, similar to a human wedding ceremony, marks the official union.
4. Offering and Aarti:
Devotees offer sweets, fruits, flowers, and other items to Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. Aarti, a devotional song, is performed to conclude the ceremony, and the holy light is passed among the devotees, symbolizing the blessings of the divine couple.
5. Prasad Distribution:
The offerings made to the deities are then distributed as prasad (blessed food) to all participants, who partake in the blessings of the ceremony.
Importance of Tulsi Vivah in Hindu Tradition
Tulsi Vivah is a celebration of devotion, purity, and the significance of marital bonds. This festival reminds devotees of the values of loyalty, love, and commitment represented by Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. Performing Tulsi Vivah is believed to remove obstacles in marriage, foster a peaceful household, and bring prosperity to families.
Tulsi Vivah: A Festival for All
Though the festival holds particular importance in households, it is also celebrated widely in temples across India. The festive atmosphere, with the sound of devotional songs and vibrant decorations, brings together communities in joyous celebration. Families observe this ritual together, strengthening bonds and sharing blessings. In some regions, devotees celebrate the ceremony over multiple days, reflecting the depth of devotion and reverence for Tulsi as a divine figure.
Tulsi Vivah is more than a traditional Hindu ceremony; it is a powerful symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural values. Celebrated with joy and fervor, it brings people together to honor the divine union of Tulsi and Lord Vishnu, fostering a sense of harmony, spiritual devotion, and family unity. As devotees perform the rituals with reverence and love, they seek the blessings of the divine couple for a life filled with happiness, health, and prosperity.
Also Read | Tulasi Vivah 2024: Know Shubh Muhurat, Date, Rituals, Significance and more
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