Dwadashi

Dwadashi is the natural complement to Ekadashi. Breaking the Ekadashi fast at the correct time on Dwadashi is as important as the fast itself — breaking it early (during Ekadashi) or too late (past a specific time on Dwadashi) diminishes the merit. Kartik Shukla Dwadashi hosts Tulsi Vivah — the occasion when Vishnu (represented by the Shaligrama stone) weds the Tulsi plant, marking the end of the Chaturmas period and the re-opening of the wedding season. Dwadashi is also Govatsa Dwadashi in some regions — honoring cows and calves.

1. 1Break Ekadashi fast at the prescribed Parana time (usually 1.5 to 4.5 hours after sunrise)
2. 2First consume a sip of water and tulsi leaf before any food
3. 3Offer Vishnu a full puja with flowers and tulsi
4. 4On Kartik Dwadashi: perform Tulsi Vivah — decorate the Tulsi plant, place Shaligrama beside it, and conduct a formal marriage ceremony