Thuli Ekadashi observed across country

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov. 5: Haribodhani Ekadashi and the wedding of the Tulsi (basil) plants were observed by people across the country on Thursday. Devotees flocked to various Narayan temples in Kathmandu Valley, mainly Budhanilkhanta, and other Narayan temples nationwide. The devotees stretched torans of flowers at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and across the Kaligandaki river in Mustang. 

Thousands of visitors visit four Narayan Temples in Kathmnaudu Valley--Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Bishankhu Narayan of Lalitpur, Shesh Narayan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu district to worship the God and observe the festival.  

Likewise, fairs were held in  Balthali of Panauti, Kavre,  Triyuga of Udaypur, Gulmi and other places. On the occasion of Haribodhani Ekadashi, Tulsi plant, which is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is decorated with flowers along with other accessories. 

Small twigs of bamboo, colloquially called lingo, are raised over the Tulsi Moth, where Tulsi plants grow, to mount garlands. 

It is believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Harishayani Ekadashi and wakes up to preside over the religious rites across the universe on the day of Haribodhani Ekadashi.  The basil plants are planted on the day of Harishayani Ekadashi. 

Haribodhini  Ekadashi is also called the biggest Ekadashi or Thuli Ekadashi. To mark the day, devotees observe fast or only eat pure food like roots and worship the Tulsi plant. 

Dakshinkali Municipality, Budhanilakantha Municipality, Nagarjun Municipality and Godwari Municipality had given a public holiday to mark the festival.