Griha Pravesh
How the house-warming is performed, stage by stage
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the Griha Pravesh: from the opening sankalpa and Vastu worship, through the havan and the auspicious boiling of milk, to entering and blessing the new home.
Preparation & Sankalpa
The new home is cleaned and an altar is set with a lit lamp and the kalash. The family takes a sankalpa to enter and live in the home with the blessings of the divine.
Ganesh Puja
Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove any obstacles to a happy life in the new home.
Kalash Sthapana & Navagraha Puja
The kalash, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is established, and the Navagraha (nine planets) are honoured for their favourable influence on the household.
Vastu Puja (Vastu Shanti)
Vastu Purush, the deity of the dwelling and its directions, is worshipped, seeking harmony between the home, its energies, and the family who will live there.
Havan
A havan (fire offering) is performed to purify the home and fill it with positive energy, with offerings of havan samagri and ghee into the sacred fire.
Entering the Home & Boiling Milk
The family enters the home auspiciously (traditionally right foot first), carrying the kalash. As the first act in the new kitchen, milk is boiled until it rises and overflows, a sign of prosperity and plenty filling the home.
Aarti & Blessings
The ceremony closes with the aarti and the sharing of prasad, and the home is blessed for the peace, health, and good fortune of all who live in it.
