From Subhamoy Das,
Your Guide to Hinduism.
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Aug 17 2003

It happens once every 12 years, when the heavens conspire against wedding plans. According to Indian astrologers, the current planetary alignment makes it an ominous time to tie the nuptial knot. This has led thousands of Hindu brides and grooms to postpone their wedding dates.

Why This Foreboding?
Jupiter has entered Leo on June 15. This unfavorable planetary position has made the 2003 monsoon wedding season inauspicious for marriage. Most astrologers say that the ill-effects of this position will prevail until October 17 or 25, 2003, while some think it could last longer – until August 27, 2004. And no marriage can be made in heaven during this period, they say.

A Billion Dollar Industry
While monsoon weddings in India are off on a short holiday, India's billion dollar wedding industry, including jewelers, matrimonial outfitters and banqueting gardens, has to face to the music.

To Hell with Planetary Positions!
For Hindus, marriage is one of the most sacred events of life. However, as far as astrology is concerned, “many may believe in it, but few abide by it,” and in urban India, planetary permissions come only second to a good match in order of importance.

Wedding Exhibitions Draw Crowd
If the popularity of wedding exhibitions is any indication, astrology has hardly made a dent on the lucrative wedding industry. Over a hundred thousand people attended “Celebrating Vivaha 2003”, a three-day wedding exhibition held between August 8 -10, 2003.

Over the next few months, New Delhi will be host to a number of mega wedding shows, including 'Bride & Groom' (August 30 - September 3, 2003), and 'Bridal Asia' (from September 29 - October 1, 2003). The shows are scheduled to move to other Indian cities – Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bangalore. Since such shows have proved its popularity with non-resident Indians (NRIs), some of these exhibitors also plan to host them in the east coast of US, West Asia and Europe, including one in London in May 2004.