Autumn festival · Tulsi (Vrinda) and Vishnu (Shaligram)

Tulsi Vivah 2026

Tulsi Vivah 2026 is on Saturday, 21 November 2026 (Kartika Shukla Dwadashi). Tulsi Vivah in New Delhi is 05:25 PM – 08:06 PM.

The ceremonial wedding of the holy basil to Vishnu, opening the season of weddings.

Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial wedding of the holy basil plant (Tulsi), worshipped as the goddess Vrinda and as a form of Lakshmi, to Vishnu in the form of the Shaligram stone or an image of Krishna. Our calculation places it on Kartika Shukla Dwadashi, the twelfth day of the bright half of Kartika, but many families perform it on Prabodhini (Dev Uthani) Ekadashi itself, and some on any evening up to Kartik Purnima. It is especially loved in Maharashtra, where it is performed in almost every home that keeps a Tulsi plant.

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Tulsi Vivah

Date: Sat, 21 Nov, 2026
Tithi: Kartika Shukla Dwadashi
Tulsi Vivah: 05:25 PM – 08:06 PM
Deity: Tulsi (Vrinda) and Vishnu (Shaligram)

Times for New Delhi. Change the city below.

Tulsi Vivah 2026 in your city

Tulsi Vivah in each city, in local time. Times follow each city's own sunrise and moonrise, and outside India Tulsi Vivah can fall a day apart.

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Tulsi Vivah muhurat and timings in detail

Timings for New Delhi, Delhi · IST (UTC+5:30) · Sunrise 06:48 AM · Sunset 05:25 PM

Date

Sat, 21 Nov, 2026

Tithi at sunrise

Dwadashi (Shukla)

Sunrise

06:48 AM

Sunset

05:25 PM

Best time for Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah: Pradosh Kaal

05:25 PM – 08:06 PM

Duration 2 h 41 min · The wedding of Tulsi and Shaligram (Vishnu) is held in the evening, while Dwadashi prevails.

Tithi, nakshatra and key moments

Dwadashi tithi
06:32 AM – 04:57 AM, 22 Nov
Abhijit Muhurat
11:46 AM – 12:28 PM
Amrit Kaal
03:37 AM, 22 Nov – 05:09 AM, 22 Nov

Inauspicious times: avoid starting the puja

Gulika Kaal
06:48 AM – 08:08 AM
Rahu Kaal
09:28 AM – 10:47 AM
Yamaganda
01:26 PM – 02:46 PM
Varjyam
06:23 PM – 07:55 PM

Many families perform Tulsi Vivah on Dev Uthani Ekadashi itself, the day before; follow your family tradition.

Choghadiya for the day and night

Day

Kaal06:48 AM – 08:08 AM
Shubh08:08 AM – 09:28 AM
Rog09:28 AM – 10:47 AM
Udveg10:47 AM – 12:07 PM
Chal12:07 PM – 01:26 PM
Labh01:26 PM – 02:46 PM
Amrit02:46 PM – 04:06 PM
Kaal04:06 PM – 05:25 PM

Night

Labh05:25 PM – 07:06 PM
Udveg07:06 PM – 08:46 PM
Shubh08:46 PM – 10:27 PM
Amrit10:27 PM – 12:07 AM, 22 Nov
Chal12:07 AM, 22 Nov – 01:48 AM, 22 Nov
Rog01:48 AM, 22 Nov – 03:28 AM, 22 Nov
Kaal03:28 AM, 22 Nov – 05:09 AM, 22 Nov
Labh05:09 AM, 22 Nov – 06:49 AM, 22 Nov

Calculated for New Delhi, Delhi (sidereal Lahiri, local sunrise). Regional and family traditions can differ by a day or in the exact window; follow your family priest where they differ.

Past and upcoming

Tulsi Vivah dates by year

Tulsi Vivah dates for 2025 to 2028, New Delhi
Year	Date	Status
Tulsi Vivah 2025	Sun, 2 November 2025	Past
Tulsi Vivah 2026	Sat, 21 November 2026	This year
Tulsi Vivah 2027	Wed, 10 November 2027	Upcoming
Tulsi Vivah 2028	Sun, 29 October 2028	Upcoming

Dates for New Delhi from the Purnimanta calendar; a few festivals can fall a day apart in other regions. Page updated 20 October 2026.

Meaning

Significance of Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi is considered the most sacred plant in Vaishnava tradition and is kept in a raised planter (Tulsi Vrindavan or Tulsi chaura) in the courtyard or balcony of many Hindu homes. Her leaves are offered in the worship of Vishnu and Krishna, and the plant is honoured daily with water and a lamp. Tulsi Vivah is the yearly festival in which the family celebrates her as a bride and joins her in marriage with Vishnu.

The festival comes right after Prabodhini Ekadashi, when Vishnu is traditionally believed to wake from his four-month rest (Chaturmas). Since auspicious ceremonies such as weddings are traditionally avoided during Chaturmas, Tulsi Vivah is seen as the first wedding of the season, and in many communities family weddings are planned only after it has been performed.

For many households, especially those without a daughter, performing Tulsi Vivah and giving Tulsi away in marriage (kanyadaan) is a cherished act of devotion. It is traditionally believed to bless the family with harmony and happiness in married life. It is also a joyful family occasion, with children, neighbours and relatives gathering to see the little wedding in the courtyard.

The story

The traditional story, told in the Puranas, is of Vrinda, a woman of great devotion to Vishnu, who was married to the powerful asura king Jalandhara. Vrinda's faithfulness to her husband was so strong that it was believed to protect him, and no god could defeat Jalandhara in battle while it lasted. To end his attacks on the gods, Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and came to Vrinda, and her vow was broken. Jalandhara was then defeated by Shiva.

When Vrinda learned what had happened, she was deeply grieved and cursed Vishnu to become a stone, which is why he is worshipped as the Shaligram. She then gave up her life, and from the place where she left her body the Tulsi plant grew. Moved by her devotion, Vishnu blessed her that she would be worshipped in every home, that no worship of his would be complete without Tulsi leaves, and that he would marry her each year in the form of the Shaligram. Tulsi Vivah is celebrated as the fulfilment of that promise, and as an honour to Vrinda's devotion.

One festival, many traditions

How Tulsi Vivah is celebrated across India

Maharashtra

Known as Tulshicha Lagna (Tulsi Vivah)

The Tulsi Vrindavan is cleaned, painted and decorated with rangoli, and Tulsi is dressed as a bride with a green or red saree or blouse piece, bangles and a mangalsutra. Sugarcane stalks are tied over the Vrindavan to form a wedding canopy (mandap), and offerings include amla, tamarind, fresh guava, sweet potato and other new produce. An image of Krishna or a Shaligram is placed opposite her, a cloth screen (antarpat) is held between them, and the family sings the mangalashtak verses before the screen is removed and everyone showers akshata on the couple.

Why it matters there: In Maharashtra the wedding season traditionally begins only after Tulsi Vivah, so the evening ceremony feels like the start of a new season of family celebrations.

Goa and the Konkan coast

Known as Tulsi Lagn

Konkani and Marathi families decorate the Tulsi Vrindavan in front of the house with sugarcane, mango leaves and flowers, and offer amla and tamarind branches along with sweets. The wedding is performed in the evening with mangalashtak, lamps and fireworks, and neighbours visit one another's courtyards.

Why it matters there: Here too the ceremony marks the end of Chaturmas and the opening of the season for weddings and other family functions.

Gujarat

Tulsi Vivah is celebrated in homes and in many Vaishnava temples, where a Shaligram or image of Thakorji is taken in a groom's procession (jaan) with music and singing to the Tulsi plant. Families who give Tulsi away perform the kanyadaan, offer her bridal items, and serve a festive meal to guests as at a real wedding.

Why it matters there: In Gujarat's strong Vaishnava tradition, Tulsi is loved as the beloved of Krishna, and performing her kanyadaan is regarded as a deeply meritorious act.

North India (Uttar Pradesh, Braj and neighbouring states)

Known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Tulsi Vivah

Many families perform the wedding on Dev Uthani Ekadashi evening itself. A mandap of sugarcane is set up near the Tulsi plant, the courtyard is decorated, and women sing songs to wake the gods and celebrate the wedding. In the Braj region around Mathura and Vrindavan, Tulsi is especially honoured as dear to Krishna, and temples hold the wedding with music and decoration.

Why it matters there: Vrindavan itself takes its name from Vrinda, and in Braj the festival is celebrated as the marriage of Tulsi with Krishna.

Karnataka

Known as Tulasi Habba (Utthana Dwadashi)

On Utthana Dwadashi, women decorate the Tulasi katte (the raised Tulsi planter) with rangoli and flowers and place a branch of the amla tree (nellikai) beside the plant to represent Vishnu. In the evening many small lamps are lit around the planter, and the puja is done with sweets, fruits and songs.

Why it matters there: Tulasi Habba is one of the most beautiful evenings of the year in Karnataka homes, with rows of lamps around the Tulsi marking the end of Chaturmas.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Known as Ksheerabdi Dwadashi

On Kartika Shukla Dwadashi, families worship the Tulsi plant together with a branch of the amla tree as Vishnu and perform a small wedding (kalyanam). Lamps are lit around the plant in the evening and prasad is shared among family and neighbours.

Why it matters there: The day is named after the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), and it is traditionally believed that Vishnu comes to the Tulsi with Lakshmi on this day.

Step by step

Tulsi Vivah puja vidhi

1
In the morning, clean the Tulsi Vrindavan or pot and the area around it, and draw a rangoli in front of it. Water the plant gently.
2
Decorate the plant as a bride: drape a small saree or red or green cloth (chunri) around the pot, and offer bangles, a small mangalsutra, bindi and other shringar items.
3
Tie sugarcane stalks in a pyramid or arch over the Tulsi to form the wedding canopy, and decorate it with mango leaves, marigold garlands or string lights.
4
Prepare the groom: bathe the Shaligram or Krishna idol, dress it in a small dhoti or yellow cloth, and place it on a plate or small seat opposite the Tulsi.
5
In the Tulsi Vivah: Pradosh Kaal time shown above, within the Dwadashi tithi (or on Ekadashi evening if that is your family custom), gather the family and light a lamp and incense.
6
Worship Ganesha first, then offer Tulsi and the Shaligram or Krishna haldi, kumkum, sandalwood paste, akshata, flowers and a garland. Offer amla, tamarind, sugarcane pieces, fruits and sweets.
7
If your family follows the Maharashtrian custom, hold a cloth screen (antarpat) between Tulsi and the groom and sing or recite the mangalashtak verses. At the end, remove the screen and shower akshata on the couple.
8
The person acting as the bride's parent places Tulsi's hand symbolically in Vishnu's (kanyadaan) by touching the groom to the Tulsi, and the two are linked with a thread or a garland. Some families take the Shaligram around the Tulsi in seven circles (pheras).
9
Perform aarti of Tulsi and Vishnu, and recite the Tulsi stuti or the names of Tulsi given below.
10
Distribute prasad, usually sugarcane pieces, puffed rice, sweets and fruits, to family and neighbours. Some families also give gifts to a married woman or donate to a temple.

Vrindayai Tulasidevyai Priyayai Keshavasya Cha, Vishnubhaktiprade Devi Satyavatyai Namo Namah

Salutations again and again to Vrinda, the goddess Tulsi, beloved of Keshava (Vishnu), who grants devotion to Vishnu and who is ever truthful. A traditional verse of praise (Tulsi stuti) said while offering water or a lamp to Tulsi.

Vrinda Vrindavani Vishvapujita Vishvapavani, Pushpasara Nandini Cha Tulasi Krishnajivani

Vrinda, Vrindavani, worshipped by the world, purifier of the world, essence of flowers, giver of joy, Tulsi, the life of Krishna. These are the eight traditional names of Tulsi (Tulsi Namashtak), recited during the puja.

Om Shri Tulasyai Namah

Salutations to the auspicious Tulsi. A simple mantra to repeat while offering flowers and akshata.

What you need

Puja samagri (items)

Tulsi plant in a Vrindavan, chaura or clean pot
Shaligram stone or a small idol or image of Krishna or Vishnu
Sugarcane stalks for the mandap (four is common)
Small saree or red or green cloth (chunri) for Tulsi
Small dhoti or yellow cloth for the groom
Shringar items: bangles, bindi, small mangalsutra, sindoor
Haldi, kumkum and sandalwood paste
Rice grains (akshat) mixed with haldi or kumkum
Flowers, marigold garlands and mango leaves
Amla, tamarind and seasonal fruits such as guava, bananas and sitaphal
Sweets, puffed rice (murmure) or batasha for prasad
Earthen or brass lamps (diya), ghee or oil and cotton wicks
Incense sticks (agarbatti) and camphor for aarti
A cloth for the antarpat (if following the Maharashtrian custom)
Sacred thread (mauli) to tie the couple together
Rangoli colours

Fasting

Tulsi Vivah vrat rules

A fast is optional on Tulsi Vivah. Some of those performing the kanyadaan keep a fast from the morning until the ceremony is completed in the evening, as parents of a bride traditionally do at a wedding.
Many families have already kept the Prabodhini Ekadashi fast the previous day and simply break it in the morning on Dwadashi before preparing for the evening ceremony.
If you fast, fruit, milk and water are usually taken during the day. The fast is broken after the wedding and aarti, with the prasad first and then a simple sattvic meal.
Anyone who is unwell, pregnant or has a health condition need not fast. The ceremony done with devotion is complete without a fast.

Do's and don'ts

What to do, and what to avoid

Do

Clean and decorate the Tulsi Vrindavan well in advance, and keep the courtyard or balcony bright with rangoli and lamps.
Perform the wedding in the Tulsi Vivah: Pradosh Kaal time shown above, or follow your family's custom of Ekadashi evening.
Involve children and elders; explaining the story and the songs keeps the tradition alive in the family.
Offer seasonal produce such as sugarcane, amla and tamarind, which are traditional for this festival.
Light a lamp near the Tulsi in the evening, and if you can, continue the daily lamp through the rest of Kartika.
Share prasad with neighbours and invite them to see the ceremony, as one would for a family wedding.

Avoid (inauspicious)

Many families avoid plucking Tulsi leaves on Ekadashi, Dwadashi and after sunset; collect any leaves needed for the puja a day in advance.
Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and alcohol in the household on the day of the wedding.
Do not pour hot water or place anything unclean near the Tulsi plant, and avoid touching it without washing your hands.
Many families prefer not to begin the ceremony during Rahu Kaal; choose a time within the Tulsi Vivah: Pradosh Kaal window instead.
Do not throw away the sugarcane, flowers and other offerings carelessly afterwards; share edible items as prasad and compost or immerse the rest respectfully.
Avoid quarrels and harsh words on the day; it is meant to be a joyful family celebration.

Common questions

Tulsi Vivah FAQs

When is Tulsi Vivah 2026?

Tulsi Vivah 2026 is on Saturday, 21 November 2026 (Kartika Shukla Dwadashi). Tulsi Vivah in New Delhi is 05:25 PM – 08:06 PM. Dates follow each city's own sunrise and moonrise, so outside India Tulsi Vivah can fall a day apart; see your city above.

When is Tulsi Vivah 2027?

Tulsi Vivah 2027 is on Wednesday, 10 November 2027 (Kartika Shukla Dwadashi), for New Delhi.

Is Tulsi Vivah on Ekadashi or Dwadashi?

Both customs are followed. Our calculation shows the Dwadashi tithi, Kartika Shukla Dwadashi, which is the date many Maharashtrian and South Indian families use. Many other families, especially in North India, perform the wedding on Prabodhini (Dev Uthani) Ekadashi evening itself, and some hold it on any day up to Kartik Purnima. Follow your family or community custom.

Can unmarried people perform Tulsi Vivah?

Yes. Anyone can perform or take part in Tulsi Vivah with devotion, whether married or unmarried. Many unmarried young women and men join the puja, and it is traditionally believed to bless them with a good and harmonious married life. The kanyadaan is usually performed by a married couple of the family, but this varies by custom.

What is needed for Tulsi Vivah at home?

At its simplest you need the Tulsi plant, a Shaligram or small image of Krishna or Vishnu, a small cloth or chunri and a few shringar items for Tulsi, sugarcane for the mandap, haldi, kumkum, akshata, flowers, a lamp and some fruits and sweets. Amla and tamarind are traditional offerings. The full list is given in the samagri section above.

What if we do not have a Shaligram?

A Shaligram is traditional but not essential. Many families use a small idol or picture of Krishna or Vishnu as the groom, and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh a branch of the amla tree is placed beside the Tulsi to represent Vishnu.

Why is Tulsi Vivah linked with the wedding season?

Weddings and other major ceremonies are traditionally avoided during Chaturmas, the four months when Vishnu is believed to rest. He is believed to wake on Prabodhini Ekadashi, and Tulsi Vivah, as the first wedding after that, is seen as opening the season. In Maharashtra in particular, families often fix wedding dates only after Tulsi Vivah.

At what time should the ceremony be done?

Tulsi Vivah is traditionally performed in the evening. The page shows the Tulsi Vivah: Pradosh Kaal window for your city, calculated for your location, which is a good time to begin the wedding and aarti.