In a typical Hindu household, meticulous attention is given to performing customs associated with Diwali to ensure the well-being and prosperity of family members. This is where Vaastu plays a crucial role, as it guides devotees in ensuring the smooth flow of these events.

Vaastu Shastra is an ancient Indian science that encompasses principles of spatial geometry, architecture, and related design concepts. Even in contemporary Indian society, the essence of Vaastu Shastra continues to hold a significant role in various ceremonies and occasions. Let's delve into some of the Vaastu tips you should consider while preparing for Diwali:

1. Ward Away Clutter

Eliminate, avoid, and organize to the best of your ability. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of fortune and prosperity, along with Lord Ganesha, the patron of wisdom and strength, only visit homes that are clean and well-decorated. Rid yourself of unnecessary belongings that people tend to accumulate over time. The act of decluttering can transform a chaotic environment into a nurturing sanctuary. By decluttering your physical space, you create an atmosphere that fosters spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. It's believed that clutter, whether mental or physical, often hinders individuals from reaching their full potential in life.

Furthermore, it's essential to keep the central part of your home free from clutter and excessive furniture. This practice allows prana, or energy, to flow freely throughout your living space. Additionally, the tradition of spraying saltwater inside the house is considered highly effective for purifying the ambiance of your home.

#2 Lights are Essential

When it comes to placing lights in accordance with Vastu during Diwali, it's important to go beyond just lighting diyas and scented candles. There are specific guidelines to follow, especially on the third day of Diwali.

Firstly, use pure cow ghee for lighting the diyas. Mustard (sarso) and sesame (til) oil can also serve as suitable alternatives for Diwali diyas. They are not only cost-effective but also have a longer burning time. Secondly, ensure that the diyas or small oil lamps are lit in the Pooja room before any other part of the house. This sets a spiritually significant beginning to your Diwali celebrations. Avoid placing diyas in the south direction, as this is considered inauspicious. These small oil lamps play a crucial role in attracting good fortune.

In Indian tradition, odd numbers are favored over even numbers, and this holds true for Diwali diyas as well. According to Vastu, the ideal numbers for Diwali diyas are 9, 27, 108, or 1,008. When selecting earthen Diwali diyas, ensure they are not chipped or broken. Vastu experts advise against using damaged diyas for Diwali pooja. Carefully inspect each piece when purchasing. Before lighting, soak your earthen lamps in water for a couple of hours, then allow them to dry. This treatment prevents the diyas from absorbing too much oil or ghee, ensuring they remain cool during the entire lighting period. Clean your brass, copper, and silver Diwali diyas thoroughly before using them for Diwali pooja. To invite positivity and prosperity, place Diwali diyas in every nook and corner of your house, including the bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, lobby, terrace, garden, and even near water tanks.

Additionally, position a Diwali diya beneath the Tulsi plant, as Tulsi is considered auspicious and represents Goddess Lakshmi. For optimal results, ensure your Diwali diyas face the north or north-east to attract wealth and prosperity, or face east to promote good health in your home. Following these Vastu guidelines will help create a harmonious and spiritually enriched atmosphere during Diwali.

#3 Creating a Rangoli

Vaastu Tips for Diwali

Rangoli, with its multitude of designs and names, holds a significant place in Indian culture. Diwali, in particular, marks a time of great enthusiasm for creating rangolis in many households, primarily by the women. According to Vaastu principles, it's essential to adorn the main entrance of the house with a simple yet meticulous rangoli. Incorporate vibrant colors such as red, yellow, green, pink, and purple while crafting patterns at the entrance. Pay special attention to the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, ensuring they always point inwards. Additionally, it's important to note that the use of holy symbols like Swastika, Om, or any others is strictly prohibited when creating a rangoli.

Create a Rangoli in the North with wavy shapes in blue, green, and violet for enhanced clarity, new opportunities, and growth. For an East-facing Rangoli, opt for a rectangular shape in peacock colors like green and blue to boost networking and foster new social connections. In the South-East Zone, craft triangular Rangoli patterns in crimson red, green, and yellow for added security and confidence. In the West, design round Rangoli shapes in golden, cream, and white to attract gains and profits.

#4 Choice Flowers

Vaastu Tips for Diwali

If you believe that the use of flowers during Diwali is merely for decorative purposes, then you're mistaken. Fresh marigold and lotus flowers hold great significance during this occasion. Moreover, placing these fresh blooms in an Urli (a vessel) filled with water in the north direction is highly recommended for attracting good fortune. Conversely, it is discouraged to keep withered flowers indoors, as they disrupt the energy flow in your environment and upset the energy balance within your home. Additionally, it's considered inauspicious to have certain flowers like carnations inside the house, as they are believed to invite negative energy. Planting carnations in your garden is a better choice.

#7 Auspicious Gifts

When selecting Diwali gifts for friends, relatives, and colleagues, adhering to Vastu principles can enhance the harmony in your relationships. It's crucial to be mindful of what to give and what to avoid. Antique items should be excluded from your gifting choices, as per Vastu recommendations. On the positive side, paintings make excellent gifts, but their placement matters; watery paintings are suitable for the North-East, rocky ones for the South-West, and fire-themed artwork for the South-East. Avoid gifting items associated with war, revenge, or violence, as they may disrupt positive energy. Crystals are generally auspicious presents, provided they are placed in the Eastern direction of the recipient's house. Stone and metal items are favorable for gifting, but they should be directed towards the South, while water items like fountains are most effective in the North-East. It's advisable to refrain from gifting leather items, as they are made from the skin of deceased animals and are considered inauspicious in Vastu principles.

#6 The Power of Mantras

Vaastu Tips for Diwali

The auspicious festival of Diwali is incomplete without mantras. While one can feel overwhelmed when looking at the varieties of sacred mantras and hymns that are chanted and sung especially on the pious occasion of Diwali. There are 2-3 mantras that, when chanted in the praise of the Gods with faith, will result in the positive flow of energies.

Ganesha, who is also lovingly called as Vighnaharta, meaning, the remover of all obstacles in life is revered with utmost faith on the Diwali. The mantra ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’ resonates strongly with his divine energy. Repeated recitation of this mantra with unwavering faith can help one achieve goals in life effortlessly.

For those seeking to attract wealth into their lives, then the Lakshmi Mantra is a beacon of hope. It goes, “Om Gam Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha” and its enchanting vibrations are said to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Incorporating these basic Vaastu tips can usher auspiciousness into your life during Diwali. Remember, the festival is rich with myriad customs, each carrying its own unique significance and allure, ready to illuminate your celebrations.

References: