The Art Of Choosing An Auspicious Wedding Date In India

In India, Hindu weddings are considered sacred events sanctified by the Gods. The dates for these ceremonies are determined by astrologers, who base their decisions on the positioning of the celestial bodies. The astrologer will first determine the groom's astrological position in relation to the moon, and then the bride's in relation to the sun. The astrologer will then suggest some lucky times and dates for the wedding.

In addition to the positioning of the celestial bodies, astrologers also consider the birth charts of the bride and groom, the time of year, the tithi (lunar day), and the nakshatra (lunar constellation).

Some months are considered more favourable than others for weddings. In Kerala, for example, marriages are usually conducted from October to April, with May and June being considered inauspicious.

Astrological influence: The position of celestial bodies and zodiac signs influence dates

In India, astrology plays a significant role in determining wedding dates, with the position of celestial bodies and zodiac signs influencing the selection of an auspicious time for the ceremony. This belief stems from Hindu Vedic astrology, which asserts that the cyclic movement of celestial bodies can impact an individual's life in various ways, including their personality and mood.

When choosing a wedding date, astrologers consider the positions of planets like Venus and Jupiter, which are believed to possess special powers that can influence a couple's happiness and blessings. The signs occupied by the Sun and Moon during the wedding are also crucial, as certain signs like Taurus, Libra, and Pisces are thought to foster love and balance in the marriage. Each individual has their own astrological chart based on their birth details, and when two people decide to marry, their charts are carefully analysed for compatibility.

Additionally, the concept of "muhurat" is significant in Indian weddings. "Muhurat" refers to an auspicious time chosen based on astrological calculations. Astrologers aim to find a moment when the planets are aligned harmoniously to bring positive energy and blessings to the couple's union. This practice is deeply rooted in the belief that the cosmos can influence human affairs, and by selecting the right date and time, couples can maximise their chances of a happy and prosperous marriage.

To determine the most favourable wedding dates, astrologers use several factors. They consider the birth charts of both the bride and groom, taking into account their birth dates, birth times, and places of birth. The time of year is also important, as certain months are considered more auspicious than others. For example, in Kerala, marriages are typically held between October and April, while May and June are usually avoided.

The tithi (lunar day) is another critical factor, with specific days in the lunar cycle, such as dwitiya (second day), panchami (fifth day), and saptami (seventh day), deemed more beneficial for tying the knot. The nakshatra (lunar constellation) is also considered, as higher compatibility between the nakshatras of the bride and groom is believed to lead to a more harmonious marriage.

By consulting with astrologers and considering these astrological factors, couples in India can select wedding dates that are deemed auspicious and aligned with the favourable positions of celestial bodies and zodiac signs. This practice reflects the deep-rooted belief in the influence of the cosmos on human affairs and the desire to start married life with positive energies and blessings.

Timing: Muhurat, meaning auspicious time, is considered for major life events

Timing is a crucial aspect of Indian weddings, with "muhurat" (a Sanskrit word meaning "auspicious time") being considered for major life events. The date and time of the wedding are carefully chosen based on astrological calculations and are believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the couple's journey together. Here are some factors that influence the timing of Indian weddings:

Astrological Significance

According to Hindu beliefs, the positioning of celestial bodies, such as the moon, planets, and stars, plays a significant role in selecting the most favourable time for the wedding ceremony. An astrologer or a pandit (Hindu priest) studies the birth charts of the bride and groom, taking into account their stars and the cyclic movement of celestial bodies, to determine the most auspicious date and time for the wedding. This practice is based on the belief that the alignment of the cosmos can influence the couple's life together and bring positive energies to their marriage.

Auspicious Months and Days

Certain months and days are considered more auspicious for weddings in Indian culture. For example, in Kerala, marriages are usually conducted from October to April, while May and June are considered inauspicious. The tithi (lunar day) also plays a role, with days like dwitiya (second day), panchami (fifth day), and saptami (seventh day) being considered auspicious for tying the knot.

Compatibility and Auspicious Timing

The compatibility between the bride and groom's nakshatra (lunar constellation) is another important factor. Higher compatibility between their stars is believed to bring harmony and prosperity to their marital union. Additionally, the muhurat trading on the day of Diwali influences other areas of life, such as starting a new business venture or making significant purchases.

Weather Conditions

The choice of month for an Indian wedding can also be influenced by the weather. For instance, January is considered ideal for couples who prefer intimate, heartwarming ceremonies, while February is believed to be filled with romance and expressions of love, providing a naturally sentimental backdrop for marriage ceremonies. March, with its transition from winter to spring, symbolises new beginnings, and April's pleasant weather sets the mood for celebrations.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

The choice of timing for Indian weddings also takes into account cultural and religious considerations. For example, June is traditionally known as the "wedding month," and it is believed that brides married in June are blessed with prosperity and happiness, as the month is named after Juno, the Roman goddess who protects marriage and childbirth. November is also preferred by many as it falls between the busy harvest season and harsh winter, offering a convenient time for shopping and travel.

Compatibility: The compatibility of the couple's horoscopes is assessed

In India, Janam Kundli (also called a Birth Chart or Natal Chart) is taken into consideration for Kundli Matching. Guna Milan is based on the position of the moon in the Natal Charts of the prospective bride and groom. In North India, there is a process of Guna Milan, called "Ashtakoot Milan", which signifies eight aspects of Gunas. "Ashta" means "eight" and "Koota" means "aspects".

The eight Kootas are:

• Varna/Varan/Jaati: It shows the spiritual compatibility of the boy and girl along with their ego levels. It is divided into four categories: Brahmins (Highest), Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra (Lowest). It is allotted a maximum of one point.
• Vasya/Vashya: It shows mutual attraction, control in marriage, and also calculates the power equation between married couples. A person is classified into five types: Manav/Nara (human), Vanchar (wild animals) such as a lion), Chatushpad (small animals such as deer), Jalchar (sea animals), and Keeta/Keet (insects). It is allotted a maximum of two points.
• Tara/Dina: It is related to birth star compatibility and destiny. There are 27 birth stars (Nakshatra). It gives a maximum of three points.
• Yoni: It measures the intimacy level, sexual compatibility, and mutual love between the couple. Yoni Koot is classified into 14 animals, which are Horse, Elephant, Sheep, Snake, Dog, Cat, Rat, Cow, Buffalo, Tiger, Hare/Deer, and Monkey. A maximum of four points is given by this category.
• Graha Maitri/Rasyadipati: It shows mental compatibility, affection, and natural friendship. It also represents the moon sign compatibility between couples. It contributes to a maximum of five points.
• Gana: It is related to behaviour and temperament. Birth stars (Nakshatras) are divided into three categories: Deva (God, indicating Satwa Guna), Manava (Human, indicating Rajo Guna) and Rakshasa (Demon, indicating Tamo Guna). Six points (maximum) are given by the elements of Gana.
• Rashi or Bhakoot: It relates to the emotional compatibility and love between partners. The position of planets in the boy's birth chart is compared with the girl's birth chart. If the boy's moon is placed in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th house from the girl's moon, then it is considered bad or inauspicious, whereas the 7th and 12th houses are considered good. In the case of a female, if the natal chart moon is placed in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th houses from the man's chart, then it will be auspicious and inauspicious if placed in the 12th from the man's chart. It is also called Bhakoota and gives a maximum of seven points.
• Nadi: It is related to health and genes. Stars (Nakshatra) are divided into three parts: Aadi (Vata) Nadi, Madhya (Pitta) Nadi, and Antya (Kapha) Nadi. It is most crucial in matchmaking as it contributes to a maximum of eight points.

There are 36 Guna Milans in Ashtakoota. A match obtaining less than 18 will not be considered an ideal couple and is least recommended for marriage.

In another system, only eight of these factors are given importance and are assigned numeric values, with a total of 36 points. A horoscope is considered matched only if the compatibility score is more than 18.

• Varna (1 point)
• Vashya (2 Points)
• Tara (3 points)
• Yoni (4 points)
• Graha Maitri (5 points)
• Gana (6 points)
• Bhakoota (7 points)
• Nadi (8 points)

Culture: Different cultures have lucky and unlucky months

Culture plays a significant role in determining wedding dates, with different cultures ascribing luck and unluck to certain months.

In Indian culture, the positioning of celestial bodies, including the moon, planets, and stars, is considered when choosing an auspicious wedding date. Hindu weddings are carefully planned by astrologers, who select dates to ensure the couple's journey is blessed with good fortune and a strong foundation for their new life together. The month of May, for example, is considered inauspicious for Hindu weddings, while January is seen as a fresh start and February is filled with romance.

In Jewish culture, the Hebrew word for life, "chai," is composed of letters with numerical values that add up to 18, making it a significant number. As such, the year 2018 was considered a lucky year to tie the knot. Additionally, Tuesdays (the third day of the week) are considered twice as lucky for Jewish weddings, as the book of Genesis mentions the number "good" twice in the verse about the creation of the third day.

According to an old Celtic poem, Saturday was once considered the least auspicious day for a wedding, with Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday being preferable.

Asian cultures also attach significance to certain numbers. For example, the word for "eight" in some Asian languages sounds like the word for "wealth" and "fortune," making August 8 a very lucky wedding date. On the other hand, the word for "four" in some Asian cultures is similar to the word for "death," making April 4 a date to avoid.

These cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding lucky and unlucky months play a crucial role in wedding date selection, influencing couples' choices and shaping their marriage traditions.

Rituals: Hindu weddings are sacred events, not mutual contracts

Hindu weddings are sacred events, not mutual contracts. They are a turning point in an individual's life, marking the second phase or 'Garhasthyaashram'. The bond is supposed to last seven lifetimes and is considered irreversible.

The rituals and traditions of Hindu weddings are vibrant and extravagant, lasting anywhere from one day to several days. Each custom and practice holds deep philosophical and spiritual significance.

The key steps of a Hindu wedding are:

• Kanyadaan: The bride's father gives her away to the groom. The bride's left hand is placed on the groom's right hand, and the parents recite a chant that absolves them of their bad karma and debts to their ancestors.
• Paanigrahana: The presence of the sacred fire. The groom accepts the bride's hand and promises to remain faithful while pursuing a life of Dharma, Artha, and Kama.
• Vivaha Homa: The sacred fire is lit at the centre of the wedding mandap. The couple offers ghee to the fire and prays to the Gods for children, wealth, and long and healthy lives.
• Laja Homa: The bride's brother pours rice onto her palms, and the couple offers it to the sacred fire together.
• Agni Pradakshina: The ends of the couple's garments are tied in a knot, and they circle the sacred fire seven times, promising to be eternal partners.
• Saptapadi: The seven sacred vows. The bride takes seven symbolic steps while pushing a stone with her left foot, and the groom assists her. These steps signify specific promises made by the couple to each other, including respect, honour, loyalty, appreciation for values, and following Dharma.

Other rituals may vary according to regional cultures, but these six steps are considered key to a Hindu marriage.

The rituals of a Hindu wedding are colourful and vibrant, reflecting the joy and happiness of the occasion. They are not merely decorative but hold deep significance, sanctified by the Gods.

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