Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devutthana Ekadashi, is one of the most important Ekadashi vrat in the Hindu religion. This year Dev Uthani Ekadashi is being observed today on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

On the occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, the month-long wedding season has started in the country, on Sunday, November 14, 2021. According to Livehindustan, around 2000 weddings are expected to take place in Delhi on the first day itself. So be prepared to face long traffic jams while leaving your homes.

According to an estimation by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), approximately 25 lakh weddings are expected in just one month between November 14 to December 13, 2021. The association estimated over 1.5 lakh weddings in Delhi alone

Overall across the Delhi-NCR region, approximately 5000 wedding ceremonies are expected to take place and, with the Ekadashi falling on a Sunday, long traffic jams are expected in Delhi and nearby areas. Since many ceremonies will take place in private farmhouses which are located outside the city, the attendees are advised to leave home hours in advance, said Delhi Traffic Police.

According to the Delhi government’s latest COVID-19 guidelines, issued on October 29, a maximum of 200 people is allowed to attend a marriage ceremony.

Significance

Devutthana Ekadashi marks the beginning of the month-long wedding season. It is believed that Lord Vishnu sleeps on Devshayani Ekadashi and wakes on Prabodhini Ekadashi. The name “Prabodhini Ekadashi” means awakening eleventh. This Ekadashi day is also known as – Vishnu-prabodhini, Hari -prabodhini, Dev-Prabodhini Ekadashi, Utthana ekadashi, Deothan, Dev Uthav Ekadashi, or Dev Oothi Ekadashi.

On the day of Prabidhini Ekadashi, the four months of Chaturmas ends during which marriage is prohibited. Devotthan Ekadashi also marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. Prabodhini Ekadashi is followed by Kartik Poornima, which is celebrated as Dev Diwali or Diwali of gods. It is believed that Lord Vishnu married goddess Tulsi on this day.