Just when you thought that you are done with all the festivities post Dussehra and Diwali, comes another festival- The Wedding festival- with your house teeming with wedding cards of all hues and sizes and mithai boxes. Times when you hear newspaper headlines like "100 se zyada shadiyaan" (more than 100 weddings today etc.) Did you ever think why so much excitement all of a sudden after a lull for months? Well, because it’s Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Our in-house team was of course curious on what lead to this and decided to undergo a thorough research. After all, the season is way to important for wedding photographers! So, here’s the mythological twist around the shadi-vyaah season.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi or the Prabodhini Ekadashi means 'the awakening eleventh', the day on which Lord Vishnu wakes up after sleeping for four months from Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

The legend says that Goddess Lakshmi was unhappy with Lord Vishnu’s undisciplined sleeping patterns. Apparently, often Vishnu slept for days and then there were days when he didn't sleep at all. So, next time mom calls you a Kumbhkaran, you can tell her he wasn’t the only one famous for sleeping, eh?

Almighty’s sleep habits meant that other gods and goddesses had to wait long to meet him. Seeing God asleep also allowed demons to spread Adharma on earth. All this made, Goddess Lakshmi complain to Lord Vishnu. The lord being Lord then promised Goddess to come up with a solution soon (How soon, only God knows).

Meanwhile, comes another piece of bad news about the theft of the Vedas by Sankhyayan, a demon. When Team Devas complain that Sankhyayan is spreading Adharma all around, Lord Vishnu assures them that they would be able to get back the Vedas.

After an epic battle, Lord finally defeats Sankhyayan and returns the Vedas to the gods. He then celebrates His success with a long sleep of four months, also known as Chaturmas. And because, he wakes up on Kartik Ekadashi, the day is considered so auspicious by his devotees.

Hindus also see this day as the beginning of marriage season and perform Tulsi Vivah followed by prayers for the well-being of all family members. According to beliefs, Lord Vishnu showers his blessings on the newly-wedded couple, also marking the coming of joy and happiness in everyone’s life.

So, get your best outfits out, book your salon appointments, enjoy the colours and music of shaadi. Of course, don’t forget us in your forever moments!