From the series: Diwali Days, Bygone and Bright
πΏ The Last Day of Diwali β But the Beginning of Something New
The diyas may dim.
The sweets may fade.
But Diwali doesnβt end β it evolves.
Because when the outer light settles, the inner light begins its next season.
π Tulsi Vivah β The Wedding of Devotion
Across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and beyond, a quiet wedding takes place β not between humans, but between Tulsi (holy basil) and Shaligram (sacred stone form of Lord Vishnu).
The story is ancient. Tulsi, once Vrinda, was the devoted wife of the demon Jalandhar. Her purity protected him. To restore cosmic balance, Lord Vishnu disguised himself and broke her vow. Heartbroken, she cursed him to become stone β and he accepted it. In compassion, he promised: βI will marry you in that form.β
So every year, Tulsi is dressed as a bride, a mandap is created, rings are exchanged, songs are sung β not just to recreate a ritual, but to honor forgiveness, faith, and union.
And with this symbolic marriage, the Hindu wedding season officially begins.
ποΈ Dev Uthani Ekadashi β The Day the Gods Wake Up
Today is also Dev Uthani Ekadashi (11th lunar day when the gods awaken) β the day Lord Vishnu rises from Chaturmas (four months of divine rest).
When Vishnu wakes, the universe reopens its auspicious cycle.
Marriages begin, new ventures start, and life moves from pause to possibility.
Rangoli returns. Diyas are lit again β not for Diwali now, but for renewal.
β¨ The 10 Avatars of Vishnu (Matsya β saves life, Kurma β supports universe, Varaha β rescues Earth, Narasimha β destroys evil, Vamana β humbles ego, Parashurama β restores balance, Rama β lives dharma, Krishna β guides love and wisdom, Buddha β awakens compassion, Kalki β ends darkness)
Each avatar reminds us: whenever dharma weakens, divinity returns.
π Why Sattvik Food Today? (Science, not superstition)
Even those who donβt fast still eat sattvik (pure, calming) food today.
β’ Onion & garlic contain sulfur compounds that overstimulate the nervous system
β’ Rice digests quickly, spikes insulin, and causes lethargy β not ideal for a day of clarity
Ekadashi food is light not because of restriction, but alignment:
When the body is calm, the mind can rise.
When food is clean, thoughts are clean.
πͺ So what really begins today?
Tulsi is married.
Vishnu awakens.
The bells ring again.
And Diwali β instead of ending β turns inward.
Because festivals donβt stop when the flame goes out.
They shift β from the lamp to the heart, from celebration to reflection, from season to spirit.
When the gods rise, so must we. β¨
-Rachana Bahel
