The sacred festival of Navratri is approaching, and many people are starting to clean their homes. However, according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, simply dusting the house is not enough. Some broken and useless items left in the home contribute to an increase in negative energy, which can cause displeasure from Mother Durga and Goddess Lakshmi. To ensure well-being and success during Navratri, it is recommended to immediately discard the five listed items.
Items that should be immediately removed from the home:
- Dried Tulsi leaves and thorny plants: Tulsi is considered a very sacred plant. If the plant dries up, it must be removed immediately, as a dry bush brings poverty and gloom into the home. Thorny plants, such as cacti, should also not be kept in the house. It is recommended to either bury the dry bush in the ground or release it into a river, replacing it with a new, green Tulsi or Monstera plant.
- Broken statues and photographs: Damaged statues or torn images of deities should never be left in the home shrine, as this creates a Vastu defect in the house. If the statue is made of clay, it should be washed away in water; if it is made of another metal, it should be placed under a peepal tree.
- Broken or old brooms: The broom is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Having a broken or very old broom can lead to financial difficulties. The old broom must be thrown away before Navratri begins, and a new one should be purchased.
- Expired medicines and broken dishes: It is strictly forbidden to keep expired medications, old papers, cracked dishes, or broken glass in the house. These items promote the growth of illnesses and mental tension in the home. All such useless and damaged things should be discarded immediately.
- Stopped clocks and faulty equipment: Clocks that are stopped signal that your good time has stopped, leading to laziness among family members. Furthermore, malfunctioning electronic equipment also hinders progress in the home. Either the stopped clock must be repaired, or the batteries replaced, and all clutter and non-working electronic equipment must be removed.
What must be done on the first day of Navratri:
On the first day of the festival, the main entrance of the house should be thoroughly cleaned. It is also necessary to draw a swastika sign using turmeric and water at the main entrance. To welcome the Mother, a garland of Amu or Ashoka leaves should be hung on the main door, which promotes peace and tranquility in the home.