Kathmandu: Hindu devotees in Nepal are joyously celebrating the Harishayani Ekadashi festival. This auspicious occasion falls on the first day of the four-month holy period known as Chaturmas. The festival involves fasting and worshiping Lord Vishnu, one of the prominent Hindu deities revered as the protector of the universe.

Harishayani Ekadashi takes place on the eleventh lunar day of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the month of Asar. On this day, devotees perform various rituals such as worshiping Lord Vishnu, reciting Holy Scriptures related to him, and chanting hymns dedicated to him.

During Harishayani Ekadashi, Hindus plant Tulasi, also known as basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), in their yards. They consider Tulasi as a form of Lord Vishnu and worship it for the next four months until the day of Haribodhini Ekadashi, which marks the conclusion of Chaturmas. It is believed that by worshiping the sacred Tulasi plant, which is rich in oxygen, Lord Vishnu grants the wishes of his devotees.

Chaturmas is a holy period dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, beginning on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadh (Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi) and concluding on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi).

In the lunar calendar, there are a total of 24 Ekadashis observed throughout the year. Among them, Harishayani Ekadashi and Prabodhini Ekadashi hold special significance. Devotees observe fasting on Harishayani Ekadashi and visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations.

Today, as the devotees immerse themselves in the observance of Harishayani Ekadashi, they seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for spiritual growth and fulfillment.