Tulsi Vivah
In 2026, Tulsi Vivah falls on Saturday, 21 November 2026.
History & Mythology
Vrinda, devoted wife of the asura Jalandhara, was so perfectly faithful that her husband could not be defeated in battle. To end his tyranny, Vishnu took Jalandhara's form and Vrinda's fidelity was unknowingly broken; her husband fell to Shiva that instant. Learning the deception, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become a stone — the Shaligram — and immolated herself. From her ashes rose the Tulsi plant, and Vishnu, honouring her devotion, promised that no worship of his would be complete without a Tulsi leaf, and that he would wed her each year.
On Kartik Shukla Dwadashi, the day after Devutthana Ekadashi wakes Vishnu from his four-month sleep, households perform Tulsi Vivah: the courtyard Tulsi is dressed as a bride, a Shaligram or image of Vishnu stands as groom, and a full wedding is celebrated with mandap, mantras and mangal sutra. With the divine marriage done, Chaturmas ends and the human wedding season of the year begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Hindu festival dates calculated?
Hindu festival dates are calculated using the Panchang — the Vedic almanac based on Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (Moon's asterism), and other astronomical factors. Most festivals fall on specific Tithis in particular lunar months. AstroJanamPatrika calculates these using Swiss Ephemeris, making dates accurate to the minute rather than relying on pre-printed almanacs.
What is Tithi in the Hindu calendar?
Tithi is the lunar day in the Hindu calendar, determined by the angular distance between the Moon and Sun in multiples of 12°. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month — 15 in the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and 15 in the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). Most Hindu festivals are tied to specific Tithis, which is why their Gregorian calendar dates change each year.
Why do Hindu festival dates change every year?
Hindu festivals follow the lunisolar calendar, not the Gregorian solar calendar. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, festivals drift earlier each year — and an intercalary month (Adhika Masa) is added roughly every 2–3 years to realign the calendar with the solar year. This is why Diwali, Navratri, and other festivals fall on different Gregorian dates each year.
What is Shubh Muhurta for festival rituals?
Shubh Muhurta is the auspicious time window for performing festival rituals, determined by combining Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Vara, and Choghadiya. AstroJanamPatrika calculates the precise muhurta for each festival based on local sunrise, Tithi end times, and auspicious Nakshatras.
What is Purnima and Amavasya?
Purnima is the full moon day (15th Tithi of Shukla Paksha) when Moon and Sun are 180° apart. Amavasya is the new moon day when they are conjunct. Both are highly significant in the Hindu calendar — Purnima for celebrations and Amavasya for ancestor rituals (Pitru Tarpan). Festivals like Holi, Guru Purnima, and Sharad Purnima all fall on Purnima.