One of the most significant religious festivals is the Tulsi Vivah, which is observed by followers of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Tulsi. Shaligram, who is regarded as Lord Vishnu, gets married to Tulsi during this joyous occasion. On the following day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, Tulsi Vivah is observed. This year, it falls on November 5. Hindus consider it to be of immense importance, and they enthusiastically and fervently commemorate it.
This event is enormously celebrated by followers of Lord Vishnu. Temples are embellished with flowers, lights, and Bhajan kirtans. Some even organise Bhandara to provide food and water to all the impoverished and in needed individuals.
Tulsi Vivah, Image Source: lokmat
Food custom
Food served at Tulsi Vivah includes a range of specialities that are revered for their spiritual properties. The Tulsi plant is regarded by Hindus as a manifestation of the goddess Mahalakshmi. On this day, the Tulsi plant is dressed as a bride, and a unique spread of food items is presented after liting up earthen lamps. It's a way of recognising the importance of the Tulsi plant or holy basil, which is also thought to have medical capabilities.
A highlight of this festival is Goan ojhe, or a load of sweets. Married daughters receive it from their parents along with jodi. Women prepare an array of pure vegetarian dishes. At noon, Tulsi Vrindavan is offered a full spread of rice, moongachi gathi, puri, sweet potato kheer, and red pumpkin cooked with sugarcane bits, amla, and tamarind. The main Tulsi Vivah ritual is performed in the evening or at sunset. Lord Vishnu is worshipped by offering an assortment of poha delicacies.
Food items of significance
Throughout the Tulsi Vivah rite, sugarcane is regarded to be very auspicious. It is advised to be utilised for the food preparations for this event. Planting sugarcane in the four corners of the worship space is also customary. The inclusion of tamarind and amla in the foods is also essential. In the course of the ritual, these plants are placed alongside the Tulsi. Midday is when Tulsi Puja's most lavish meal is served. In Maharashtra, bits of coconut, fruit, groundnut, and sugarcane are given as prasad. The food items presented as naivedya also include koshambari.
Sweet Potato Kheer
Ingredients
- 500 gram sweet potatoes
- 4 cup coconut scraped
- 3 cups coconut milk
- 250 gram jaggery
- 1/2 tbsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp sago
- 7-8 sliced almonds
- 4 cup water
Method
- Slice the sweet potatoes into very thin pieces
- Add the sago or tapioca pearls to boiling water and cook for a while
- Blend in the sweet potato slices and boil until they are tender
- In another pan, add the jaggery and let it melt
- Add the melted jaggery to the sweet potato and sago mix
- Blend in the coconut milk, whisk it thoroughly and boil the mixture for 5-8 minutes or until it thickens
- Sprinkle almond slices and cardamom powder
- Turn off the flame
Sweet potato kheer is ready!