KATHMANDU, July 20, 2013: Devotees thronged several Vishnu temples in Kathmandu Valley on the occasion of Haribodhani Ekadashi today.

From today, until the day of Haribodhani Ekadashi in November, the four Narayan temples in Kathmandu will see crowds of devotees and religious fairs. 

A grand fair was organised today in Chagunarayan, one of the Narayans.

Similarly, fairs were also organised at Duttatetra Temple and Doleshwor Temple, situated at Bhaktapur Municipality, to pay obeisance to the Hindu God Vishnu. 

People also plant saplings of Tulasi (basil) at their homes and observe fast during this month. 

Devotees worship Tulasi as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Haribodhani Ekadashi, also known as Tulasi Vivaha or Lord Vishnu’s awakening, is a significant Hindu festival.

Hindu devotees across the nation observe the day by taking a dip in holy rivers and fasting.

In Kathmandu, people throng different temples of lord Narayan, the Bagmati River and other holy rivers to worship Lord Vishnu.

On Haribodhani day, devotees also donate money, food and clothes to brahman priests and the poor.

Mythology has it that from July to November for four months, Lord Vishnu had reclined in front of demon king Bali’s palace upon the latter’s request and on the day of Haribodhani Ekadashi he awoke and left for paradise.

Source: The Himalayan, DT. July 20, 2013.