It is believed that those doing Chhath Puja are blessed by peace & prosperity, wealth, name and fame. Ladies observe it for the long life and development of their children and husband. People pray for good health too. The Chhath Puja is one of the toughest rituals of India and it goes on for 4 days. In the 4-day Chhath festival, with Kharna or the whole day fast,the 36 hours of Nirjala fast begins. Vratis observe this fast with full devotion and faith. But there are some rules for this 36-hour Nirjala ritual and these must be followed by the Chhath Vratis, so that the fast is fruitful and without any ill effect on the health.
While eating Kharna there should be silence i.e. there should be no noise. The devotee should leave some food as prasad for the other members of the house and the one fasting should take the blessings of the sixth month after Kharna and seek blessings by touching the feet of all the elder members of the house.
After the Kharna, special care should be taken so that the debris of the plate is not thrown into the drain or pit. It should be disposed in flowing water like a river or stream.
While making prasad, special care should be taken to use pure stuff like ghee etc. A separate cloth should be worn while making prasad and not talk with others while making prasad, because saliva of the mouth can contaminate the prasad while speaking.
On the first day, sabzi made of Loki or gourd with dal using only rock salt is cooked along with rice. The person doing the puja has the food last, after all family members have eaten.
On the second day, i.e. 29th October(Saturday), the devotees should fast the whole day and eat in the evening only. Generally, kheer made with milk and rice without sugar or salt is taken with rotis. After this the 36 hours fast begins.
On the third day i.e 30th October, the devotees will go to the river bank and offer Argha( Offerings) to the Sun God.
On the fourth day, Argha is offered to the sun god in the early morning and after that only Prasad is taken. The prayer is done by standing inside flowing water.
SOME MORE VAASTU GIFTS
The Elephant with Tortoise
The elephant is a symbol of prosperity, courage, and knowledge. It is known to bring wealth and good luck in the family. The tortoise on the other hand is known to remove all negative energies and bring home joy and success. Both together in the form of a statue, they symbolise longevity, wisdom, and good luck. The main entrance is a good place for an elephant. It can also be kept at the kids' room.
WATER FOUNTAIN
Flowing water is a symbol of the flow of wealth and abundance in Vaastu Shastra. Placing a water fountain in the wealth corner of your house activates its powers and brings home money. Also, the sound of flowing water helps create a soothing atmosphere in a space. So it is a good gift as per Vaastu. But water feature should be avoided in the bedroom
Another advantage of placing a water fountain inside the house is that it helps in the movement of energy which can get stagnant due to various reasons.
THE LAUGHING BUDDHA
The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of wealth and prosperity and is known to bring good luck in a home. It makes a great vastu gift for home as it also works as a beautiful home décor item. The Buddha's large protruding belly indicated happiness and it is believed that his belly should be rubbed to have good luck!
Give crystals as a gift; place them in the eastern corner of the house to reflect the morning sunlight. They can be kept in the southwest to improve relationships.
As per Vaastu, paintings are a very auspicious gift for your friends and family but paintings of animals like pigs, donkeys, bats, owls, crows, and vultures are some of the worst gifts according to vaastu shastra. Also avoid paintings of war, horror and sadness.
One should never give antique items as gifts.Avoid any leather- made items because they are made from animal skin and signify death.
Reader queries answered
Q. I have a marriage hall which is not having much occupation since the lockdown period. Can you suggest any Vaastu remedies?
Name withheld on request. Via email
Ans. The coming season is marriage season and you should not be having any problems till about March. It is the lean season of summer from May to September where you may not find enough bookings. Just follow the general rules for a Marriage Hall.
Marriage halls should have proper section constructed in proper direction. The different sections of the hall should be positioned as per Vaastu.
1. Stage in the marriage hall should be positioned ideally in West so that Couple sitting on it faces East. The south is the second option
2. The Entrance should be from the East or North direction.
3. The shape of the plot having the marriage hall should be square or rectangular. Avoid round or oval shape banquet hall
4. Electrical equipments like the D.G. Set, switchboards, including dance floors, music system and transformer must be located in Southeast.
4. The Cooking arrangement must be in Southeast only.
5. Parking should be constructed in North-west or Southeast.
6. Arrangement for food and snacks should be at Northwest or North.
7. Sitting arrangement for guests should be in Southwest .It can also be in North.
8. The Mandap for marriage should be arranged in Northeast. The arrangement for the havan or the ceremonial fire must be placed at the Southeast corner.
9. Toilets in marriage hall must be made in Northwest or West.
10. Room of owner should preferably be constructed in Southwest.
11. If there are Stairs in the hall, same should be placed in South, West or Southwest.
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