Kalash Sthapana

The kalash is the oldest symbol in the household ritual — a vessel of water standing in for the fullness of the earth itself.

Setting the vessel

Spread a small bed of raw rice. Place the kalash on it and fill three-quarters with clean water. Add a coin, a pinch of turmeric, and a few grains of rice. Arrange five mango leaves around the rim so the tips face outward, and set a coconut on top with its tuft upward.

Tie the red mauli thread around the neck of the vessel three times. The kalash is now sthapit and should not be moved until the ritual closes.

Afterwards

The water is offered to a tulsi plant, never poured down a drain. The coconut is broken and shared.