Tree veneration is an integral part of Hinduism, which believes that Brahman, the Ultimate Reality, resides in everything.

According to the legend narrated for the occasion, King Chitrasena and his subjects observed the vrata of Amalaka Ekadashi.

During one of his hunting trips, Chitrasena lost his way in the forest and was captured by the rakshasas (demons) who attacked him with weapons.

The devotees fasted and remained awake the whole night, singing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Vishnu.

The moral of the tale is told to be that the performance of Amalaka Ekadashi vrata, without any desire and just pure devotion, results in the grace of Vishnu, in this and next lives.

Devotees fast on this day and gifts are offered to Brahmin priests praying for prosperity, wealth and health.

[11] Offering of food and charity is prescribed on this day; the virtue is equated to the performance of a vajapeya, a somayajna sacrifice.