Griha Pravesh is the ceremony of entering a new home for the first time. Families do it to invite peace, health and good fortune. The exact rituals vary by region and family tradition, so use this guide as a general picture and follow your pandit's advice.
What usually happens
- Choosing a good date and time (muhurat) with the pandit, using the panchang.
- Cleaning the house and decorating the main door, often with a toran of mango leaves and flowers.
- Entering the house at the chosen time, often with a kalash and a lit lamp.
- Ganesh puja to begin the ceremony.
- Navagraha and Vastu puja, depending on your tradition.
- A havan (sacred fire), when the space allows.
- Boiling milk in the new kitchen, a common custom in many families.
- Aarti, blessings and prasad for family and guests.
A general list of puja items
Your pandit will give you the exact list. These are items commonly needed:
- Kalash (pot), coconut and mango leaves
- Flowers and garlands, tulsi leaves if used in your tradition
- Rice (akshat), turmeric, kumkum and sandalwood paste
- Ghee, oil lamps, cotton wicks, camphor and incense
- Fruits, sweets and panchamrit ingredients (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- Havan samagri and wood, if a havan will be done
- New cloth for the puja place, and a fresh vessel for boiling milk
How long does it take?
Most Griha Pravesh pujas take about 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many rituals are included and whether a havan is done.
Questions to ask your pandit
- Which date and time do you suggest, and why?
- Which rituals will you include for our family?
- Will you bring the samagri, or should we arrange it?
- Is a havan needed, and can it be done in our space?
- What is the total price and what does it include?