Buying a new house or apartment symbolises financial success and achievement. But it is also a very emotional decision because this is the home where you and your family will live and grow. Conducting a Griha Pravesh puja is an important milestone in the Hindu way of life.
What is a Griha Pravesh?
Griha Pravesh means entering the home. It is one of the sacred ceremonies conducted to cleanse and purify the home before the homeowners move in. Let us look at the various aspects of this ceremony practised by Hindus.
Picking the date
Picking an auspicious date to conduct the Griha Pravesh rituals is one of the most important aspects of the Hindu housewarming ceremony. It is a good idea to consult a priest or an astrologer who will pick a date with a good vibration according to your birth chart or date of birth.
Getting the home ready
Cleaning, lighting, and making beautiful designs are essential aspects of preparation for Hindu rituals for new homes. Getting the home professionally cleaned and disinfected will give it a wonderful ambience. Making a beautiful rangoli design at the entrance is both inviting and brings joy. You may want to decorate the new home with fresh flowers and torans for the puja.
Entering the home
At the auspicious hour, your priest will prompt you and your partner, as homeowners, to enter the home. This is accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras and singing traditional songs. The homeowners hold consecrated coconuts in their hands and enter their home, right foot first.
Ganesh Puja
The first puja or prayer ritual in your new home is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the deity of new beginnings. The priest may install a new idol or picture of God or guide you through the process of Ganesh Puja with offerings of flowers, sweets, and incense. The lighting of the oil/ghee lamp in the new home is believed to bring Divine grace.
Praying to the Vastu Purusha
Hindu homes are believed to be governed by different directions and their governing deities and elements. This is why the Vastu Purush, who embodies their influences, is propitiated at this time. The Vastu puja brings positive energies and attracts good luck to the home.
The Griha Pravesh Havan
The havan, or sacred fire ceremony that is conducted as part of the Hindu rituals for new homes, varies depending on your specific culture. Some prefer to do a nava graha havan which is dedicated to the nine celestial bodies, while others conduct a Satya Narayan puja, and yet others perform a Ganapathi Homa or Lakshmi Homa at this time. The priest will consecrate a pot of Gangajal at this time and ask you to sprinkle it around the new home.
Boiling milk ritual
Following the puja rituals, it is traditional for the new homeowners to boil fresh milk in the new kitchen. As this milk boils over, the home is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, abundance, and nourishment. This milk is cooled and sweetened and served to all family members and guests.
Honouring the guests
It is now time to honour the guests and celebrate this wonderful achievement with your friends and family. A scrumptious meal is usually served on the occasion, but many serve sweets and delicious snacks as an alternative.
The cow ceremony
In some cultures, leading a cow and a calf to enter the home before the homeowners is customary. Hinduism considers the cow a divine animal that brings the grace of God. While this may not be feasible in modern apartments, it is still practised in independent houses.
Modern rituals
While not part of the Hindu rituals for new homes, new homeowners often incorporate several Western rituals in their housewarming ceremonies. Burning sage, breaking bread, and popping a champagne bottle may all be part of the ceremony. These add diversity and fun to the occasion.
Do's and Don’ts
- It is a good idea to shop for new clothes, utensils, and lights for the Griha Pravesh ceremony. These signify new beginnings.
- Do not wear black for the rituals, as the colour is considered inauspicious.
- It is recommended that the new furniture and décor items be moved in after the Vastu puja. You may want to arrange for seats for the guests, though.
- Since the puja involves conducting a havan and boiling milk, setting up the utilities and fire alarm systems before the ceremony is a good idea.
- Invite your friends and family and appoint a priest well in advance.
Ceremonies and rituals help us connect with the Divine and help attract abundance and blessings. Once the Griha Pravesh is done, it is recommended that the homeowners spend the night in their new home.
