Bangaloreans celebrate Tulsi Puja with zest

Thousands of South Indians fasted and burst crackers as they celebrated Tulsi Puja, the ceremonial marriage of the tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu, on Sunday. The puja marks the end of Diwali festivities.

According to Hindu mythology, Tulsi was a woman named Vrinda (Brinda) who was married to a demon king called Jalandhar. Because of her devotion to Vishnu, Jalandhar became invincible. On the request of other gods, Vishnu, pretending to be Jalandhar, violated Vrinda’s chastity, thereby making it possible for the gods to kill Jalandhar.

When Vrinda learned the truth, she cursed Vishnu into a shaligram (stone) and said that he would be separated from his wife.

This is why, it is believed, when Vishnu took the avatar of Rama, he was separated from his wife Sita. When Vrinda jumped into the funeral pyre of her husband, her soul went into a tulsi plant.

“The Tulsi puja or the wedding of the Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu is celebrated like a traditional Hindu wedding. The Tulsi plant is decorated like a bride. Most of us fast till evening to observe the puja,” said Namita Bhat, a student.

The puja is also an occasion for families to get together. Vivek Y, a business consultant, said: “All of us get together at our grandmother’s home to celebrate Tulsi puja. The women prepare delicacies like turmeric dosa.”