The festival of Ganesha has begun and will be celebrated this year from September 14th to September 25th. During these ten sacred days, the deity Ganesha is worshipped according to all established rituals. Devotees offer modak, laddu, durva, and red flowers, as it is believed that Ganesha likes these items very much.
However, during worship, tulsi leaves are not offered to him. This raises the question of why, despite its sanctity, tulsi is not offered to the deity Ganesha. This question can be understood through a mythological story.
According to legend, once the deity Ganesha was observing asceticism on the banks of the Ganges River. At that time, Tulsi noticed meditating Ganesha. Ganesha was seated on a throne in his divine form, adorned with jewels, and his body was covered in sandalwood. Seeing Ganesha's appearance, Tulsi was captivated by him, and the desire arose to marry him. Because of this desire, she broke Ganesha's asceticism.
After waking from his asceticism, Ganesha explained to Tulsi that interrupting asceticism is unacceptable. Then Ganesha rejected Tulsi's marriage proposal, stating that he was unmarried. Angered by Ganesha's refusal, Tulsi cursed him, saying that he must marry twice.
Ganesha was also indignant at this curse and cursed Tulsi, stating that she would marry an Asura and become the wife of a demon. Hearing this, Tulsi realized her mistake and asked for forgiveness from Ganesha. Then Ganesha said that he could not revoke his curse but granted her a blessing: in the future, she would be loved by Vishnu, and He alone would free her. It was clearly established at this time that tulsi would never be used in the worship of Ganesha. This is where the tradition originates.
Tulsi leaves or products made from them should not be offered to the deity Ganesha. Instead, Ganesha particularly likes durva, which is why this tradition is observed. Furthermore, modak, laddu, jaggery, and prasad made from sesame and beans are considered the best offerings for Ganesha. Bananas, coconuts, and shankh are also acceptable offerings.