The food is kept ready before the puja commences. On this day, only vegetarian food is cooked. Some people choose to observe a fast on this day.
Steps
The Tulsi plant and Shaligram (black stone) are placed in a mandap and set close to each other. If one cannot find the Shaligram, an image of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu can also be used
The pot containing the Tulsi plant is decorated
After applying Vermillion and Haldi on the plant; sugarcane and amla branches are placed by its side
Then the Shaligram/image/idol (of Lord Vishnu) is placed by the plant and the wedding ceremony ensues (the Tulsi vivah procedure will vary as different communities perform weddings in a different manner)
The plant is secured with a Mangalsutra and is sometimes followed by a kanyadan
At times, people do a parikrama of the Tulsi and Shaligram four times
After the ‘Vivah’ is complete, Prasad is distributed amongst all.