Haribodhini Ekadashi: A grand festival of devotion to Lord Vishnu (photos)
Special fairs are held at temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Kathmandu, including Changunarayan and Budhanilkantha.
KATHMANDU: Today marks the celebration of Haribodhini Ekadashi with the symbolic ‘wedding’ of Tulsi and Damodar (a form of Lord Vishnu).
Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a special ritual and worship Tulsi for four months, beginning on Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi (Harishayani Ekadashi) and concluding today on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, also known as Haribodhini Ekadashi.
Special fairs are held at temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Kathmandu, including Changunarayan and Budhanilkantha, with a notable gathering of devotees at Changunarayan.
Every year on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, devotees mark the end of the holy period by performing the symbolic wedding of Tulsi and Damodar and offering special worship in honor of Lord Vishnu.
On Harishayani Ekadashi, people plant Tulsi at home, and on this day, they decorate the Tulsi altar with cow dung, red clay, flowers, and garlands to celebrate the ‘wedding’ ceremony.
This tradition continues to be an important part of Haribodhini Ekadashi celebrations.
