Dev Uthani Ekadashi: Beginning of marriage season; know its benefits & best wedding dates

New Delhi, Nov 22: From Sunday, Nov 22, the official wedding season has begun, according to Hindu calender. Today is the auspicious day of "Dev Uthani Ekadashi", when the Lord Vishu awakes from his long sleep of four months, as per the legend goes.

Dev Uthani, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is celebrated with huge festive fervour on the eleventh day (shukl paksh) after Diwali, the festivals of colours in the Kartik month.

According to mythology, no auspicious activity is done during the four months (Chaturmas) when the Lord Vishnu is asleep (yoga nidra).

Tulsi Vivah

To mark the beginning of marriage season, Hindu devotees perform Tulsi's marriage (vivah) with Lord Vishnu, in the form of Shaligram, which is considered as a good omen.

The medicinal plant of Tulsi is adorned like a bride with a red cloth and a floral rangoli is made around the Tulsi pot. Then, prayers are performed for the well-being of all family members.

Significance & Benefits

According to beliefs, Lord Vishnu showers his blessings on the newly-wedded couple. It also marks the beginning of a period of joy and happiness and puts an end to negative thoughts.

Many ardent devotees even observe fast on this auspicious day to ward off any evil and to remove sins of previous births.

Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, with full devotion results in the achievements of desires and fulfil wishes.

There are immense benefits of celebrating Dev Uthani with utmost faith, as it also helps in attaining liberation.

Devotees also throng to holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna, to take sacred bath on the pious day, to purify themselves.

Mass marriages are also held on this day, when many couples tie the nuptial knots, with Lord Vshnu's blessings.

The day is celebrated with different rituals in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Best dates to get hitched this wedding season

According to Panchang (hindu calender), the best dates of marriage in 2016 are said to be Jan 28, Jan 29, Feb- 2, 11, 16.

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