Lucknow: The auspicious occasion of Devuthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, ushers in the period when marriage and other auspicious events can be performed after the end of Chaturmas. The period of Chaturmas, which begins on the day of Ashadha Ekadashi and lasts until Devuthani Ekadashi, is considered inauspicious for weddings and other significant life events due to the religious observance of Lord Vishnu’s slumber. However, with the dawn of Devuthani Ekadashi, the divine awakening of Lord Vishnu marks the start of an auspicious period, heralding a new season of weddings across the country.
Devuthani Ekadashi: The Day of Divine Awakening
Devuthani Ekadashi, which was observed on 12th November 2024, is a highly revered day in Hinduism. On this day, Lord Vishnu, who is believed to be in a deep slumber in the Ksheer-Sagar (Ocean of Milk), wakes up, bringing an end to the period of Chaturmas. The day is also special as it celebrates the marriage of Tulsi (a revered sacred plant) to Shaligram (a stone representation of Lord Vishnu). Devotees across India observe fasting and special rituals, including drawing the footprint of Lord Vishnu in the courtyard and performing prayers. The next day marks the Tulsi Vivah, which is celebrated with great devotion, especially among married women, who undertake a fast until after sunrise the next morning.
With these rituals done, the wedding season in Uttar Pradesh is once again back to its old chirpy self. After Devuthani Ekadashi, due to the auspicious time, weddings are going to be organized with great pomp in the whole state in November and December. Due to the lack of auspicious time in May-June, there is a possibility of more weddings in this season, due to which the bookings in the big lawns, banquet halls, and hotels of the city are already full.
The big lawns and hotels remain the first choice of the bride and groom’s side this wedding season. Most of the big hotels and banquet halls of the city are already fully busy due to advance booking.
16 Days of Marriage Muhurat in November and December
With the conclusion of Chaturmas, the wedding season is officially open, and there will be 16 significant marriage muhurats (auspicious times) in the months of November and December 2024. The auspicious dates for weddings in 2024 are as follows:
- November: 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25
- December: 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15
The wedding season will continue well into the new year, with January 2025 also witnessing several auspicious dates, extending the wedding season well beyond the typical time frame. This extended wedding season in 2025 will span 95 days, with many significant wedding muhurats in the months of January, February, March, and beyond.
According to a report by Prabhudas Lilladher (PL Capital), approximately 35 lakh weddings are expected to take place between November and mid-December 2024, with an estimated total expenditure of Rs 4.25 lakh crore. This immense spending not only fuels growth in the wedding industry itself but also stimulates demand in related sectors such as retail, hospitality, jewellery, and automobiles. In fact, many businesses see a surge in sales during this period, driving economic growth.
The wedding industry is a key player in the broader Indian economy, contributing to various sectors. Additionally, the recent reduction in the import duties on gold and silver has also led to a significant increase in the demand for jewellery.
The Rise of Destination Weddings
By focusing on about 25 major cities across the country, the government aims to tap into the $12.1 billion that Indian couples currently spend on destination weddings abroad.
From lavish royal-style weddings, such as the recent wedding of Anant Ambani, to more intimate celebrations, the wedding market in India continues to thrive, with new trends and innovations emerging each year. Whether it’s a destination wedding in Udaipur or a traditional wedding in a small town, the wedding season in India is a key driver of both cultural richness and economic growth.
According to a survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), from January 15 to July 15 in 2024, more than 42 lakh weddings have already taken place in the industry, on which Rs 5.5 lakh crore has been spent. Welcoming the Make in India initiative of the government, CAIT said that this would prove to be a better effort to promote a new tourism in the country and to stop the expenditure on destination weddings in other countries.
