Kathmandu, July 15: The Chaturmas brata or fasting for four months starting from the month of Ashar in the Lunar calendar is beginning today by planting saplings of Tulasi or the holy Basil plant by Hindus in the country today.

The first day falling on Ekadashi or the eleventh lunar day of shukla paksha or the bright fortnight of the month of Ashar is marked worshipping Lord Bishnu, regarded as the creator of the universe.

“Observing the Chaturmas brata or fasting is regarded as very auspicious, which should be done after planting the sapling of Tulasi on Ekadhashi”, Chair of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam.

Meanwhile, the Pashupati Area Development Trust is providing saplings of Tulasi free of cost for those in the capital and wishing to plant it today. RSS