Griha pravesh tips for your new house, this festive season

When it comes to a property investment, home owners are generally particular about auspicious days and performing a griha pravesh, before moving in. We examine the significance of this ceremony and the points to consider

Indians are generally particular about shubh muhurats, when it comes to buying a property or shifting to a new house. They believe that performing a griha pravesh ceremony on an auspicious day, will bring them good fortune.

A griha pravesh ceremony is performed, when one enters a new home for the first time. “It is important, not just for the owner but also for the entire family,” says Mumbai-based Jayshree Dhamani, a Vastu Shastra and astrology expert. According to Vastu, a house is made up of five elements – the sun, earth, water, fire and wind and the proper alignment of these elements in a house, brings happiness, good health and prosperity.

“It is believed that entering a home during an auspicious time, makes life easy and there will be minimum struggle for the family, after moving into the new house. Days that are most favourable for such muhurats are Vasant Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya, Gudi Padwa, Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashmi), while days like Uttarayana, Holi, Adhikmas and Shraddha Paksha are to be avoided,” adds Dhamani.

A house warming performed on Dussehra does not even require an auspicious time, as every moment of this day is considered auspicious. Before the griha pravesh, a kalash pooja is usually performed.

Tips for the griha pravesh of your new home

• Always do the griha pravesh on an auspicious day. The idols should be placed in an east-facing direction of the house.
• Thoroughly clean the house before the puja. Mop the floor with salt, to cleanse and purify the place.
• While entering the house, always put your right foot first.
• The main door should be decorated, as it is called as Simha Dwara and is the face of the Vastu Purush. Decorate the door with mango leaves and fresh flowers.
• Adorn the floor with rangoli made of rice flour or vibrant colours.  Rangolis on the floor are believed to invite goddesses Laxmi.
• A havan (herbs and wood put in fire), is said to purify the space cleanse the surroundings.