Kolam by Sudha Balaji

 Utthana Dwadashi is celebrated in Karthika month on twelfth day after new moon ( shukla paksha dwadashi ). On this day Lord Vishnu married Tulsi Maa.  She is called Vrinda  It is believed that those who perform this Puja get Punya of kanya dhan. Story (Katha) Vrinda was the daughter of Jaladhar, a king.  He antagonised all Gods since he had a boon that he would be all powerful till Vrinda got married.  Lord Vishnu disguised Himself as her husband.  She became angry and turned him into Saligram.   He turned her into Tulsi plant.  Lord Vishnu was very impressed with Vrinda and promised to marry her every year on Karthik month shukla paksha dwadashi.  This festival is called Tulsi Vivah or Utthana Dwadasi . Try this traditional Puja room rangoli for the festival Place 4 dots in eight directions Tulasi Pooja rangoli design - the following images show the steps  Tulsi vivah rangoli with chukki - another step Decorate with kaavi colou...

Tulsi Vivah (marriage of Tulsi with Vishnu say the puranas) is also celebrated as Uttwandwadasi.  The image of Tulsi Devi is placed on the Tulsi plant. Since we celebrate a marriage Tulsi is adorned with a mangalsutra.  Garlands made from cotton and flowers like jasmine are used to adorn the plant.  I have used the pink and red roses that bloomed in the rose plants in flowerpots I have. Growing your own floral plants, watering them see the buds bloom into flowers, using the flowers for puja gives me a lot of mental satisfaction.  However, flowers and rangoli have a lot in common, both are beautiful, colourful and both last for a very short time. Tulasi kota decoration or Tulasi katte decoration for Tulsi marriage festival Festival - Tulsi Vivah Some more photos of Tulsi Vivah celebrations decorations rangoli , aarti, cotton garland Tulasi Pooja vidhanam and Tulasi Pooja ela cheyali through pics  Tulasi kota mundu muggulu Tulsi Maa deco...