India is in the news right now for its over-the-top, luxurious, destination weddings—but we need to remind ourselves that many of the smaller pre-wedding ceremonies, especially for the middle class majority of Indians, actually happen at home! “ I am roped in at weddings to balance the Vastu of a mandap (wedding hall), but my services also include improving the vibes of the residence the newlyweds will live in; or the venue where the haldi (beauty rituals for the bride), ring ceremony, sangeet (cocktail party) and varmala (exchange of garlands) will happen,” says Namrataa Kripallani, a Vastukar from Pune says. For many middle-class families, this often happens at home. While many of these are Hindu ceremonies, she reminds us that Vastu is non-denominational and can be adapted to any wedding function, irrespective of whether you have a faith or an atheist:
The Flow Of Prana
Indian weddings are known for their maximalist decor, but Vastu-compliant weddings tend to be more mindfully decorated. Chaotic ambiences, however lavish and decadent, create an energy blockage that prevents Prana—or Chi, if Feng Shui is your thing—from flowing. Arrange furniture to create open pathways and avoid overcrowded corners. Overcrowded spaces can cause confusion, anxiety, and frustration among family members and guests. "Keep the Brahmasthan or the centre of the property vacant,” Kripallani says.
Follow Directions
Unlike weddings from many other cultures, Hindus are very particular about facing the north or east, while conducting any religious ritual. Position the mandap in the Ishaan Kon (considered the abode of the gods) at the northeast. “This direction amplifies the sanctity of any wedding vows taken, and ensures longevity in any matrimony,” the Vastukar says. Never design a mandap in the southwest as it belongs to Pitr or the dead ancestors, or the northwest as it is the realm of Vaayu, an air deity who is not associated either with stability or emotional commitments.
The east is associated with the rising sun and assures success to any new beginnings. Prayers are best said in the northeast as the magnetic rays of the north and solar flares from the sun meet here making this direction a powerful force to reckon with. Fire-based ceremonies like the Havan can be conducted only in the south-east, as that is the direction of Agni Dev, a fire elemental.
Unlucky Wedding Decor
Be cautious of the colour of the wedding decorations you use, as darker colours make your guests feel gloomy, lethargic and even envious! Bright Vastu-compliant colours like white, pastels and other lighter hues work well.
Hindu weddings are incomplete without kitschy flower garlands strung all over the venue, but Vastu takes it one step further: Flowers with white, blue and green petals like white carnations, liliums or blue hydrangeas can be strung in the north. Orange and yellow flowers like marigolds can be peppered all over the West. Flowers in hues of red and pink, like roses, carnations and anthuriums can be used in bursts in the south. The east can use medleys of multicoloured flowers to attract fun and joy.
“Inevitably, at any wedding, some relatives unintentionally attend with nazar or the evil eye,” Kripallani laughs. Deflect any unintentional spite by placing gurgling water fountains or decorative bowls filled with water and flowers in the northeast corner.
Sound Pollution
Another quintessential quirk associated with any big, fat, Indian wedding is loud noises. “Ancient Indian weddings never had noises that were obnoxious; the use of temple bells, conch shells, and modulated chanting, provided the neighbourhood serenity not sleepless nights,” the Vastukar jokes. Wedding songs are to be played in the northeast to ensure harmonious ceremonies, and DJ consoles churning out party songs are to be set up in the east-of-north-east (ENE).
Overpowering Scents
“No good intentions will work if your rituals are accompanied by strong, synthetic scents which overwhelm the senses, and kill the vibe! Scents like sandalwood are the mainstay of Vedic rituals. Natural scents like jasmine, roses and lavender enhance conjugal bliss. The heady scents of flower garlands and bouquets recommended in the previous section will make your guests come out of their shells and mingle!
Conflicting Seating Arrangements
Seating arrangements in the south-east (which belongs to Angi, a fire god with warring aspects) and south-west (which is associated with Nairuthi, a demoness) may cause unnecessary fights in the residence and create unpleasant situations. Important discussions and decision-making between both families should happen in rooms facing the north or east. These directions are believed to foster clarity, communication, and understanding.
The Newlywed’s Bedroom
Newlyweds (or any married couple, for that matter) should never choose a south-east facing bedroom, as the conflicts caused by the fire element associated with that direction will affect their marriage badly. Ideally in Vastu, honeymooners, or a couple trying to conceive have their bedroom in the north-west, associated with Chandra, a sensuous lunar deity associated with magnetism and attraction. Marriages are not always about love—the classic arranged marriages in India are about pragmatic bonding—and south-west bedrooms foster stability and grounding.
By avoiding these red flags and ensuring the proper placement of key elements, the house can become a perfect setting for joyous and successful celebrations.
Read more: Vastu for Love 101: 7 easy Vastu tips to help you attract love
Read more: Can the big fat Indian wedding ever truly be sustainable? Experts weigh in
Read more: As Gen-Z begins to tie the knot, experts give us the biggest wedding decor trends for 2024
.jpg)
.jpg)
