When is Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 starts on September 14, marking the beginning of the 10-day grand Ganeshotsav festival in Maharashtra.

Does this calendar include Maharashtra state holidays?

Yes, we track all official public holidays in Maharashtra, including Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ambedkar Jayanti.

How do I know which exact day to perform a specific Puja?

Our calendar maps major festivals to the primary civil day of observance. For exact fractional Tithi bounds, please visit our Daily Panchang page.

When is Tulsi Vivah celebrated in 2026 in Maharashtra?

Tulsi Vivah 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, November 21, 2026 (Kartik Shukla Dwadashi). In Maharashtra, the ceremonies can be performed on any day between Prabodhini Ekadashi (Nov 20) and Tripuri Purnima (Nov 24), with Saturday evening being the most popular date.

What is the exact Tulsi Vivah 2026 Muhurat in Maharashtra?

The auspicious Pradosh Kaal and Godhuli Muhurat for Tulsi Vivah on Saturday, November 21, 2026, is from 05:44 PM to 07:15 PM. Performing the Mangalashtakas and Antarpat removal at twilight during sunset is considered the most sacred timing.

What items are essential for setting up a traditional Maharashtrian Tulsi Vivah?

Essential items include four tall sugarcane stalks (ऊसाचे खांब) for the mandap, fresh gooseberry (Awala) twigs, tamarind (Chinch) twigs, red/green silk cloth (Khan) for Tulsi, a traditional Nath (nose ring), Haldi-Kumkum, bangles, the Shaligram stone or Balaji idol, a white Antarpat cloth with swastika, consecrated Akshata (colored rice), and sugarcane-amla prasad.

Why are sugarcane, tamarind, and amla kept in the Tulsi wedding mandap?

In Maharashtra's agricultural tradition, Kartik Dwadashi marks the prime harvesting time for winter crops like sugarcane (Oos), sour tamarind (Chinch), and gooseberry (Awala). Incorporating them into the mandap celebrates agricultural bounty and utilizes their powerful Ayurvedic immunity-boosting properties at the start of winter.

Why does the Hindu wedding season begin only after Tulsi Vivah?

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu rests in cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) during the four months of Chaturmas, during which marriages cannot take place. Tulsi Vivah marks his awakening and divine marriage to Goddess Tulsi, signaling the auspicious resumption of Hindu weddings (Vivah Muhurat) across the country.

Tulsi Vivah 2026 | तुळशी विवाह

Tulsi Vivah Sugarcane Mandap Shaligram Maharashtra Celebration

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About Tulsi Vivah(उत्सव माहिती)

Tulsi Vivah (तुळशी विवाह) is one of the most aesthetically pleasing, joyful, and spiritually significant festivals celebrated across Maharashtra. Observed between Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Prabodhini / Devutthana Ekadashi) and Kartik Purnima (Tripuri Purnima), with Kartik Shukla Dwadashi being the primary auspicious day, this divine celebration commemorates the ceremonial wedding of the holy basil plant (Goddess Tulsi / Vrinda) with Lord Shaligram (the sacred stone manifestation of Lord Vishnu).

In Maharashtra, the courtyard or terrace Tulsi Vrindavan is transformed into a miniature royal wedding pavilion. The stone Vrindavan is painted with fresh ochre (Geru) and white lime (Chuna), while the ground is decorated with festive floral Rangolis. Four tall, green sugarcane stalks (ऊसाचे खांब) are erected around the Vrindavan to form the wedding canopy (Mandap), interwoven with leafy branches of wild tamarind (Chinch) and sweet gooseberry (Awala).

The Tulsi plant is dressed like a traditional Marathi bride with a red or green silk Khan cloth, glass bangles, a nose ring (Nath), and flower garlands. A priest or family elder places the black Shaligram or Krishna idol opposite Tulsi, holds the traditional wedding curtain (Antarpat), and leads the entire family in chanting the soulful Marathi Mangalashtakas. When the final chorus of *'शुभमंगल सावधान!'* echoes, guests shower consecrated Akshata on the divine couple, signaling the auspicious commencement of the Hindu wedding season (लग्नसराई) across Maharashtra.

History: The origin of Tulsi Vivah is recorded in the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam:

1. The Legend of Vrinda and Jalandhar: Vrinda was a pious, chaste devotee of Lord Vishnu married to the powerful demon king Jalandhar. Fueled by boons and his wife's spotless chastity (Pativrata Dharma), Jalandhar became invincible, defeating the Devas and threatening Lord Shiva. To restore cosmic order and save the universe, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Jalandhar and approached Vrinda. When Vrinda unknowingly greeted the disguised Vishnu, her Pativrata shield was broken, enabling Lord Shiva to slay Jalandhar in battle.

2. The Curse and Divine Boon: Discovering the truth, grief-stricken Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu that he would turn into a dark, stone-hearted rock (Shaligram), that his divine wife (Sita) would be abducted in a future incarnation (Ramayana), and that he would suffer the separation of love. Lord Vishnu humbly accepted her curse, acknowledging her unblemished devotion. He gave her a supreme blessing: her physical body would transform into the sacred Tulsi plant, while her spirit would merge into the celestial realm as his eternal companion. Lord Vishnu declared: *'I shall forever dwell as Shaligram in the sacred Gandaki river, and every year on Kartik Dwadashi, I shall marry you with Vedic rites. No worship or food offering (Naivedya) made to me will ever be complete without a fragrant Tulsi leaf.'*

Significance: Tulsi Vivah carries immense cultural, marital, and astrological importance:

Official Opening of the Hindu Wedding Season (लग्नसराई सुरू): During the four months of Chaturmas (from Ashadhi Ekadashi to Prabodhini Ekadashi), Lord Vishnu rests in cosmic slumber (Yoga Nidra), during which all human marriages and auspicious ceremonies are paused. Tulsi Vivah marks his joyful awakening, giving divine sanction for weddings across Maharashtra.
Merit of Kanyadaan (कन्यादान पुण्य): Families who do not have biological daughters perform the Kanyadaan of Goddess Tulsi during Tulsi Vivah, earning the highest spiritual merit described in Vedic scriptures.
Ayurvedic Seasonal Harvest Thanksgiving: The integration of sugarcane (Oos), tamarind (Chinch), and Indian gooseberry (Awala) in the wedding canopy celebrates the arrival of winter crops that boost immunity against seasonal winter colds and coughs.
Marital Bliss & Domestic Peace: Newly married couples participate in Tulsi Vivah to pray for mutual fidelity, peaceful family life, and progeny.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Cleaning and painting the Tulsi Vrindavan with fresh Geru (red clay) and Chuna (white lime), bordered with detailed Rangoli.

Erecting a 4-stalk sugarcane canopy (उसाचा मंडप) over the Tulsi plant, intertwining branches of tamarind (Chinch) and gooseberry (Awala).

Adorning the Tulsi plant like a Maharashtrian bride: draping a red/green silk cloth, offering Haldi-Kumkum, glass bangles, and a Maharashtrian Nath (nose ring).

Placing the holy Shaligram stone or Lord Balaji/Krishna idol on a decorated seat opposite the Tulsi Vrindavan.

Holding the white Antarpat (wedding cloth with a red Swastika) between Lord Shaligram and Goddess Tulsi.

Chanting traditional Marathi Mangalashtakas ('Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva...', 'Shubh Mangal Saavadhaan!') while family members shower Akshata.

Lowering the Antarpat, exchanging flower garlands between the divine couple, and performing Kanyadaan vidhi.

Offering sacred Naivedya of sugarcane pieces, fresh amla, tamarind, puffed Lahya, Batashe, and sweet Poha, followed by Karpura Aarti.

Bursting child-friendly fireworks and enjoying a family feast of Puran Poli and seasonal delicacies.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Traditional Tulsi Vivah Prasad: Freshly chopped sugarcane (ऊस), raw Indian gooseberries (आवळा), and green tamarind (चिंच)

Sweet Poha and Puffed Lahya with Batashe

Puran Poli served with hot pure ghee and spicy Katachi Amti

Kheer (aromatic rice pudding flavored with saffron and cardamom)

Moong Dal Khichdi and seasonal vegetable mix curry