The Times (London)
DELHI, INDIA, August 6, 2003: Monsoon weddings in India are off. Astrologers have declared that the planetary alignment makes it an extremely bad time to tie the knot, so thousands of Hindu brides and grooms are bringing the big day forward, or waiting until much later. The astrologers, backed by the Hindu priests who would perform the rituals, believe that arranged marriages blessed during mid-June and late October would almost certainly be doomed to failure — and India’s extravagant wedding industry, worth $1.1 billion a year, is feeling the pinch. Jewellers, matrimonial outfitters and banqueting gardens are wondering how they will manage to stay afloat. Marriage in India is regarded as the most sacred event in life. Parents believe that arranging a suitable match for their children is their most cherished duty and take no risks that it could go awry. The cause for concern? Jupiter moved into the sign of Leo, which is ruled by the Sun, on June 15. The ill-effects of its position will remain strong, according to most Indian astrologers, until October 25. Some believe it could be bad until August 27 next year.