A Vastu Shanti puja is a beautiful ceremony that harmonizes the energy flow within your home. It's a time to cleanse negativity and invite positive energy for peace, prosperity, and well-being. But after the rituals are complete, there's one more tradition to consider: return gifts for your guests!Choosing return gifts for a Vastu Shanti ceremony goes beyond a simple thank you. It's an opportunity to share the positive vibes and well wishes ushered in by the puja. Here, we explore some thoughtful and encouraging return gift ideas that resonate with the spirit of Vastu:
Traditional Favors with a Modern Twist: Embracing Symbolism
Seeds & Plants: Gifting seeds or small potted plants like tulsi (holy basil) or money plants symbolize growth and fresh beginnings, aligning perfectly with the renewal of energy in your home.
Crystal Delights: Crystals like amethyst or clear quartz promote positive energy flow. Small tumbled stones or crystal keychains make beautiful and meaningful gifts.
Auspicious Symbols: Diyas (oil lamps), miniature elephants (symbols of strength and good luck), or small statues of deities like Ganesha (remover of obstacles) or Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) are traditional and well-received gifts.
Eco-Friendly Finds: Gifts that Nurture the Earth
Seed Paper Cards: Opt for plantable greeting cards embedded with seeds. Guests can plant them and watch life bloom, a beautiful reminder of the puja's message.
Reusable Pouches: Ditch plastic and choose reusable cotton or jute pouches for storing small items. They're practical, eco-friendly, and can be customized with a thank-you message or a Vastu symbol.
Organic Incense or Potpourri: Fill small decorative containers with natural incense sticks or potpourri made from fragrant flowers and herbs. These promote a sense of calm and well-being, enhancing the puja's effect.
Practical Gifts with a Touch of Spirituality
Aroma Diffusers: Small, portable aroma diffusers can be paired with essential oils known for their calming properties, like lavender or sandalwood. This practical gift promotes relaxation and complements the puja's focus on creating a peaceful environment.
Salt Lamps: Himalayan salt lamps not only add a warm glow but are also believed to purify the air and promote positive energy flow. They're a beautiful and functional addition to any home.
Brass Bells or Wind Chimes: The gentle sound of wind chimes or small brass bells is said to ward off negativity and usher in positive vibrations. They're a subtle reminder of the puja's purpose.
Culinary Delights: Sharing the Sweetness of the Occasion
Homemade Treats: Homemade cookies, chocolates, or pedals (Indian fudge) add a personal touch and evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality. Package them beautifully for a lasting impression.
Honey Jars: Honey is considered auspicious in Vastu Shastra, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity. Small jars of local honey make for a delightful and healthy return gift.
Dried Fruits & Nuts: A small box of dried fruits and nuts signifies abundance and good health. They're a healthy and elegant choice for discerning guests.
Personalized Touches: Making it Memorable
Small Notebooks with Positive Affirmations: Gift small notebooks with inspiring quotes or positive affirmations related to peace, prosperity, and well-being. Guests can use them to manifest their positive intentions.
Booklets on Vastu Principles: For those interested in learning more, consider gifting booklets that explain basic Vastu principles in a concise and informative way.
Handwritten Thank You Notes: A heartfelt thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their presence at the puja adds a personal touch and shows your appreciation.
DIY Crafts with a Spiritual Touch:
Mandala Coloring Kits: Mandalas are intricate circular patterns believed to promote focus and well-being. Gift small mandala colouring kits for guests to take home and unwind. They can colour them in their own time, fostering a sense of peace and mindfulness.
DIY Incense Holders: Provide guests with small kits containing air-drying clay and essential oils. They can create their personalized incense holders, adding a creative and functional touch to their home.
Seed Bead Bracelets: Gifting colourful seed bead bracelets with auspicious symbols, such as the om symbol or a tiny elephant charm, allows guests to personalize their piece of Vastu-inspired jewellery.
Experiences over Things:
Donation to Charity in Guest's Name: Consider donating to a charity that aligns with your values in the guests' names. This promotes a sense of giving back and reinforces the positive energy of the puja.
Vouchers for Meditation or Yoga Classes: Gift vouchers for a meditation or yoga class allow guests to explore practices that promote inner peace and well-being, reflecting the core principles of Vastu.
Herb Garden Starter Kits: For those with a green thumb, small herb garden starter kits containing seeds, potting soil, and small pots are a thoughtful and practical gift. Guests can cultivate their herbs at home, fostering a connection with nature and promoting healthy living.
Gifts for the Home with a Purpose:
Door Hangings with Positive Mantras: Beautiful door hangings made from fabric, wood, or metal inscribed with positive mantras like "Om Shanti" (peace) or "Shubh Labh" (auspiciousness) can serve as a constant reminder of the puja's intentions.
Singing Bowls: Small singing bowls can be used for meditation or to create a calming sound. They add a touch of serenity to any home and resonate with the Vastu focus on promoting positive energy flow.
Scented Candles Made with Natural Wax: Scented candles made with natural soy wax and essential oils like lavender or lemongrass create a calming ambience and promote relaxation. They're a luxurious and practical gift that complements the puja's emphasis on creating a peaceful home.
Final thoughts
Consider your budget and the number of guests when choosing return gifts.
Presentation matters! Wrap your gifts beautifully using eco-friendly materials like recycled paper or cloth bags.
Choose gifts that resonate with the overall purpose of the Vastu Shanti puja – promoting peace, harmony, and positive energy flow.
By selecting thoughtful and auspicious return gifts, you can extend the positive vibes of the Vastu Shanti puja beyond the ceremony itself. These small tokens of appreciation will leave a lasting impression on your guests and serve as a constant reminder of the beautiful new beginnings your home now em
