The sacred festival of Tulsi Vivah will be celebrated on November 2, 2025. According to Hindu beliefs, this day marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long yogic rest known as Chaturmas. Once Lord Vishnu awakens, the season of auspicious events and religious ceremonies begins in Hindu tradition. Tulsi Vivah, which symbolizes the divine marriage of Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Lord Vishnu, is one of the first and most important rituals performed after Chaturmas ends. Tulsi holds great significance in Hinduism and is considered a symbol of purity and devotion.

Tulsi leaves are used in almost all religious ceremonies — yet there’s one exception: they are never used in the worship of Lord Ganesha. There’s an interesting mythological story behind this ancient custom.

According to legend, Goddess Tulsi once fell in love with Lord Ganesha and wished to marry him. One day, she approached Ganesha and expressed her desire with deep devotion. However, Lord Ganesha politely declined her proposal, explaining that he was committed to a life of celibacy and spiritual discipline. Hearing this, Tulsi felt humiliated and heartbroken. In a fit of anger, she cursed Lord Ganesha, declaring that he would have to marry twice.

Angered by this curse, Lord Ganesha retaliated and cursed Tulsi in return, saying, “You will be married to a demon.” As a result, Tulsi later married the demon Jalandhar. After realizing her mistake, Tulsi repented and sought forgiveness from Lord Ganesha. Moved by her devotion, Ganesha forgave her and blessed her, saying that she would be revered as a sacred plant and worshipped by devotees in every household. However, he also declared that Tulsi would never be used in his own worship — and that is why Tulsi leaves are never offered to Lord Ganesha.