When Is Tulsi Vivah? November 2 or 3? Check The 2025 Tulsi Pooja Date

The Tulsi Vivah festival, a day of immense spiritual importance in Hinduism, marks the ceremonial marriage of Lord Shaligram (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) and Goddess Vrinda, who is revered in the form of the holy basil plant, Tulsi. Often referred to as holy basil, the Tulsi plant is considered one of the most sacred on Earth, with some scriptures identifying Goddess Tulsi as a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Date and Observance

Tulsi Vivah will be celebrated in 2025 on Dwadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 07:31 AM on November 2, 2025

Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 05:07 AM on November 3, 2025

The Mythological Narrative

The story behind Tulsi Vivah involves the demon Jalandhar, who was born from Lord Shiva's wrath. Jalandhar's immense power came from his wife, Vrinda, a virtuous and devoted disciple of Lord Vishnu, whose Pativrata Dharma (devotion to her husband) protected him from defeat, even by the gods.

To ensure her husband's eternal well-being, Vrinda planned a specific puja ritual. Knowing that her success would render Jalandhar immortal, Lord Vishnu intervened. He assumed Jalandhar's form and sat beside Vrinda, thus breaking her purity and protective vow. Upon realizing the deception, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu, causing him to transform into a stone known as Shaligram.

Goddess Lakshmi pleaded with Vrinda to revoke the curse. Vrinda did so but gave up her life. As an act of grace and recognition of her profound devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed Vrinda to be reborn as the Tulsi plant. He then decreed that his worship would be incomplete without an offering of Tulsi Patra (leaf), and that he would marry her in the form of Shaligram. This legendary union is the origin of the worldwide Hindu celebration of Tulsi Vivah.

The Festive Rites

Tulsi Vivah is a major devotional event dedicated entirely to the union of the divine couple, Vishnu and Lakshmi. It is celebrated with the same joyous rituals as a traditional Hindu wedding.

Decorations: Devotees set up a beautiful mandap (wedding canopy), often made with sugarcane stalks, around the Tulsi Vrindavan (the brick structure housing the plant).

Adornment: The Tulsi plant is dressed as a bride in a red sari, bangles, and a bindi, while the Shaligram stone or Vishnu idol is adorned as the groom in a dhoti and garlands.

Ceremony: The main ceremony involves chanting of Vedic mantras, the tying of a sacred thread (gathbandhan) between the "couple," and the showering of rice and vermilion to bless the union.

Blessings: The ritual of Kanyadaan (giving away the bride) is often performed by childless couples, which is considered highly meritorious. Unmarried individuals participate and pray to the deities for a blissful partnership.