Katia Goes
The festival of Tulsi Lagna (also known as Vhadli Diwali or Tulsi Vivah) marks the end of the Diwali festivities in Goa's Hindu community.
This year, the festival was celebrated on November 5, 2022. The occasion marks the mythical wedding of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and Tulsi (the holy basil plant).
It is believed that celebrating this festival and performing all the rituals will bless unmarried women with the perfect match, while couples will have a happy marriage and be blessed with children.
A colourful rangoli is made around the tulsi vrindavan, while vermillion and turmeric powder are an essential part of the rituals.
The tulsi vrindavan is decorated with tamarind (Tamarindus indica) which represents the bridesmaid or dhedi, sugarcane which represents the best man or dhedo, amla or Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), and a stick of jino (Leea indica) that represents the bridegroom.
Vegetarian dishes and sweets are prepared which include puffed rice laddoos, puris, rice, red pumpkin vegetable and a sweet potato kheer, among others
The celebration is held in the evening, and is performed by a priest or the women of the household.
After the wedding ceremony has ended, the family sits together to enjoy the feast that has been prepared.