Hindus observe 'Prabodhni Ekadashi'on banks of River Ganges in Varanasi

Braving wintry conditions, Hindus gathered on the banks of the River Ganges here on Wednesday, to take holy dips on the occasion of 'Prabodhni Ekadashi', the 11th day of Lunar Month, which marks the beginning of the wedding season in India.

Devotees prayed to the Tulsi plant, considered holy in India, and distributed sugarcane, gooseberry and made other religious offerings as part of the ritual.

"(We) take a holy dip on Ekadashi (11th lunar day in Hindu calendar), people fast and give charity to the priest at the bank. We pray to goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu at our homes. After this, the wedding season begins," said Pushpa Mishra, a devotee.

After the dip, devotees perform rituals in homage to Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu.

According to the Hindu mythology, Goddess Tulsi holds special significance to Lord Vishnu.

The wedding ceremony, called as "Tulsi Vivaha" is done annually on the 11th bright day of the Karthik month of traditional Hindu calendar.