Tulsi Vivah

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Tulsi Vivah is a symbolic wedding between the tulsi plant (holy basil), the personification of Lakshmi, and Vishnu in the form of a shaligram stone or an amla branch. It resembles a traditional Hindu wedding: it is held at home or in temples after a fast until evening, with a wedding booth built around the courtyard tulsi, which is dressed as a bride in a sari and jewellery. It marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. The day varies by region, anywhere from Prabodhini Ekadashi to the full moon of Kartika.