Puja guide · Ganesha, Vastu Purusha and the household deities
Griha Pravesh Puja Vidhi (Housewarming)
Griha pravesh is the ceremony of entering a new home for the first time. It purifies the house, honours Vastu Purusha — the spirit of the dwelling — and asks for peace and prosperity for the family who will live there. Many families also hold a Satyanarayan puja or havan the same day.
When: On an auspicious muhurat chosen with the Panchang — avoiding Kharmas, Chaturmas and combust Jupiter or Venus. Use our muhurat finder for dates in your city. Find a griha pravesh muhurat →
Samagri (items needed)
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Prasad & naivedya
Kheer made from the first boiled milk, sweets and fruit.
Aarti & stotras
Mantra
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah with the mantra counter
Step-by-step puja vidhi
Prepare the house
Clean the house fully, hang a mango-leaf toran on the main door and draw rangoli at the entrance.
Ganesha puja at the threshold
Worship Ganesha at the entrance before entering, praying that the new life in the home begins without obstacles.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Enter with the kalash
The lady of the house traditionally enters first carrying the kalash, stepping in with the right foot. In some traditions she gently tips over a pot of rice at the threshold.
Vastu shanti and havan
A priest performs vastu shanti and a havan, offering ghee and samagri into the sacred fire for the peace of the home and its directions.
Boil milk
Boil milk in the new kitchen until it overflows — a sign of abundance — and use it to make kheer or a sweet.
Install the household deities
Place the family deities in the prayer room or shrine, light the first lamp and perform aarti.
Feed guests
Offer food to the priest, family and guests. Many families also hold a Satyanarayan katha.
Tips
- Traditionally the family stays in the house on the first night after griha pravesh.
- Keep the havan fire small and safe indoors; ensure good ventilation.
- Customs vary by region and community; follow your family priest’s guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is griha pravesh needed for a rented home?
A full ceremony is not essential, but many families still perform a simple Ganesha puja, light a lamp and boil milk when moving into any new home.
Which months are avoided for griha pravesh?
Traditionally Kharmas (Sun in Sagittarius or Pisces), Chaturmas and Adhika months, and periods when Jupiter or Venus is combust.