Vaastu and Karwa Chauth

'Karwa Chauth' is a ritual celebrated by Hindu women of Northern and Western India on the fourth day after Purnima (full moon) in the month of Kartika. It is believed that by keeping fast on this day and by observing certain rules, the longevity of the husband is increased and he succeeds in his work. It is observed every year. This ritual first started in North India and slowly spread to the other parts of the country. This year, it is due to be observed on the 13th of this month (October).

At present, it has become a fad to observe Karwa Chauth. But to observe every ritual and Vrat (fasting for a cause), certain rules must be followed. Otherwise desired results will not be achieved. Vaastu has laid down several guidelines for observing Karwa Chauth like any other ritual. The proper direction and place for the puja must be chosen as per Vaastu.

Married women should have their last meal before sunrise on the day of the Karwa Chaurth..It should preferably be prepared and served by the mother in law. Those, who do not have their mother in law with them, should seek it from a neighbour! This meal is called Sargi. The sargi meal has both sweet and savoury dishes. The sargi thali generally includes phirni or meethi seviyan, fruits, coconut, meethi mathri, dry fruits, paratha, sweets, and tea/juice. The Sargi holds a lot of significance in the lives of women observing fast and Karwa Chauth is incomplete without it. This pre-dawn meal isn't just about the food eaten in the early hours of the morning, it is the love and blessings of a mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law that includes gifts as well. It not only completes the Karwa Chauth ritual but strengthens the bond between the two.

The room where puja will be performed must be cleaned thoroughly. There should not be any adjoining toilet or bathroom. A clean place should be chosen even for taking and eating the sargi. It should never be eaten facing the south. The northeast is the best direction to have the sargi as well as perform the Karwa Chauth Puja. It is recommended to take a stroll with the husband in northeast direction after the religious singings are over. This increases the bond between the couple.

IMPORTANCE OF COLOUR

Red coloured clothes are very good for married ladies. You will find most of the married North Indian ladies wearing red sarees. On the day of the Karwa Chauth also, ladies should don red clothes while fasting. Avoid black clothes as black is not considered good for any auspicious occasion.

NEVER face the south while doing the puja. When the moon is sighted, it should be done facing the northwest, the ruling direction of the moon.

While doing the puja, a Thali (metallic plate) is prepared with several items of red colour with orange vermillon or Sindoor. Fresh oil lamp (diya) should be used. The thali should be rotated clockwise ONLY while doing Aarti (religious hymns sung with Oil/ghee lamp).

It is a custom for the married women to wear glass bangles (Chudiyan) on the day of the Karwa Chauth. NEVER wear metal or plastic bangles. AVOID black chudiya.

BREAKING THE FAST

Keeping the fast whole day without a drop of water or food makes a person acidic. This acidity can worsen the situation in the end if you do not break the fast with these foods. One should opt for a small bowl of yoghurt after having water. This will reduce the acidity level to a great extent. If you do not like yoghurt, then you can also have a glass of sweet lassi. Greasy and spicy food should be avoided immediately after breaking the fast. Protein-based foods like paneer bhurji, fruit yoghurt, rice kheer, sabudana kheer, cold rose milk, soya milk, rice water, coconut milk are best. It is recommended to avoid fibrous food immediately after fasting as they cause bloating and heaviness.

SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK COLOUR IN VAASTU

Black colour is caused by absence of light. It is colour of Saturn or Shani. If a person has negative influence of Saturn in the horoscope, Black colour should be avoided. But the black colour has certain benefits according to Vaastu if used properly.

According to Vastu Shastra, things related to black colour should be kept in the north direction of the house. If you want to keep a black dog in the house or if you want to make a small dog house for him, the dog house should also be built in the north direction. One can safely keep black stuff at north because the black colour is also related to water and the direction of water is also north. Therefore, for even better results, a water vessel must be kept in the north direction. By keeping black items at north, ear problems can be overcome.

If anything related to black colour is not available in your house, then you can get some black colour painted on the north side wall for good Vaastu results.

Q. 1. Our house is facing the west and there is an old shed at the back which is the east. I am planning to demolish it and construct a small two storey barrack with godown on the ground floor and three rooms on the first floor which I plan to give on rent. Please advise if it is alright.

Ashok Sarma, via SMS

Ans. I would strongly advise you not to go ahead with this plan! This proposed building will block your east and make it heavier. It may block your progress and hinder the development of the children. You may demolish the old shed but keep the east side vacant. However, the southern and western side (the front side) may be used to construct the godown and the rooms for rent.

Q.2. I got a Feng Shui pig as a gift on my birthday. Where should I keep it?

Daisy Kalita, via WhatsApp

Ans. A pig is the worst gift one can receive!! Do not keep it in display. You may thank the person who gave you but DO NOT keep it at home. You are not supposed to give it away as a gift too. But if it is a piggy Bank, you may keep it at southern or southwest part of your home.

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