Rama Ekadashi

Rama Ekadashi falls 4 days prior to Diwali. It is a very important Ekadashi for Hindus. We clean the place in front of Tulasi Brindavanam with cow dung. Then, we draw a 7 color rangoli at that place. Applying geru on the sides of the rangoli, we complete it. This is the day we begin to draw color rangolis for Diwali. We continue it until the end of Tulasi Vivaha. We place the idol of Lord Krishna, on a small stool with a yellow cloth spread on it, in front of the Tulasi Brindavanam. We also begin to light oil lamps beginning this festival. We offer Tulasi garland, flower garland and Gajavastra to Lord Krishna. We perform pooja by offering Tulasi, flowers and sandalwood powder. The naivedyam will be milk and fruits.

We worship our Kula Daivam (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) in the pooja place. We perform pooja to the worship area like we did at the Tulasi Brindavanam. Then, aarti is performed at both the places. The day is spent in Bhajans, Keertans, Mantra Japa and listening to or reading the Bhagavatam.