Part 2
How to conduct a Grihpravesh?
A Grihpravesh can be simple or elaborate, depending upon one’s preference. Usually, it includes a Havan, a Ganesha puja, and a Navagraha shanti puja. There are guidelines to be followed to guarantee positive energy and to bring prosperity for the family.
Decorating the house entrance and chanting of mantras are essential parts.
Choose The Shubh Muhurta
Consult a priest or an astrologer to arrive at a Shubh Muhurta. An added advantage of consulting a priest is that they can conduct the puja for you. The priest will chant the correct mantras and shlokas.
The festive season brings many suitable auspicious dates. Try to choose one that falls on a weekend. This way, planning and execution become easier for you. It is also more convenient for your guests to attend.
Clean The Entire Home
A day before the Grihpravesh, clean your entire home thoroughly. This will invite positivism and good energy into your new home. It will also make it look welcoming.
The first thing you must buy for the new house is a broom. A broom signifies getting rid of messes and starting afresh. Then, mop every corner with salt water. Saltwater cleanses and purifies. You can also wash the floor with a mixture of salt, lime juice and white vinegar.
Decorate The House Entrance
On the Grihpravesh day, make sure you decorate the main door with flowers. Also, adorn it with a bandanvaar of marigold and fresh mango tree leaves. You can also place a mango leaves and lemons bandanvaar to remove negative energies.
You can put a Swastik symbol or Goddess Lakshmi’s feet on the main door. A lotus or any other spiritual symbol can also be placed there. These symbols signify prosperity and luck.
Make A Rangoli
I fail marvellously at rangolis because I can’t create art even to save my life. But that doesn’t deter me from making (absurd) rangolis on auspicious occasions. They invite Laxmi Maa. They also attract wealth and prosperity. They change the vibrations of the space and bring positive energies.
If, like me, you’re not an artist, create a simple one at the main door. Use rice flour and vibrant colours or flowers. Do make sure the rangoli is not in the way of people entering the house.
Breaking a Coconut
Break a coconut at the main door before entering. It should then be placed on the threshold. This ritual eliminates hurdles, opens the path to new beginnings, purifies the house, removes obstacles, negative energies and evil forces.
Breaking a coconut is also considered an act of self-sacrifice and dedication to the divine.
To be continued…
