Griha Pravesha Puja is an essential Hindu ritual performed when moving into a new home. It is a symbolic way of inviting divine blessings and protection into the new space. The term “Griha Pravesha” means “entering the house,” and this puja is believed to cleanse the new dwelling of negative energies and ensure the prosperity, peace, and well-being of the family members residing there.

The ritual is typically conducted on an auspicious day chosen by a priest based on the Hindu Panchang (calendar), ensuring the best planetary alignment for the new beginning. The ceremony includes prayers, offerings, and rituals to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings to remove obstacles and Lord Vishnu’s blessings for protection and prosperity.

The puja begins with the preparation of the home, which includes cleaning and arranging the new space. A clean and sacred area is designated for the puja, often near the entrance. Lord Ganesha is invoked first to remove any obstacles, followed by the worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, to bring in health, wealth, and happiness.

The ritual begins with prayers and mantras to purify the home and invite positive energies. The Griha Pravesha Mantra is recited, and offerings like coconut, fruits, flowers, rice, and kumkum are presented to the deities. A significant part of the ritual is the lighting of lamps (diyas) to symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity.

The Kalash (a pot filled with water, rice, and coins, topped with mango leaves and a coconut) is placed at the entrance, symbolizing divine presence. The family members, along with guests, may take turns entering the house with right foot first to signify the beginning of a new, auspicious life in the home.

The puja concludes with the Aarti of Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu, followed by the distribution of prasadam to guests.

Griha Pravesha Puja is a beautiful way to invite divine blessings and ensure the prosperity and happiness of the new home.