Part 4
Blow A Conch
Blowing the Shankh or conch dispels negative energies.
Ending With an Aarti
Light a camphor lamp, ring the bells and conduct an aarti. The coconut can now be broken and offered as prasad to guests. Do not extinguish a puja diya by blowing air from your mouth; let it fade away on its own.
Boil Milk to Seek Blessings
Boiling milk in a new utensil is an integral part of a Grihpravesh. It ensures prosperity. Boil milk in the kitchen in a clay pot, copper pot or any clean vessel. Pay attention to the direction in which the milk boils over. This has a significance in a Grihpravesh.
The boiled milk should flow towards the east or north. This direction is considered auspicious and brings prosperity and abundance in the new house. Once the milk is boiled, add rice and sugar to prepare a prasad of kheer.
Prepare A Meal for Priest and Guests
Organize a lunch (or a dinner) for family and friends after a Grihpravesh. Offer the meal to the priest first to seek her/ his blessings. Then, offer the food to the guests.
Other Considerations
Floral Decorations
An easy and elegant way to decorate the house is through flowers. This creates a perfect setting. Hang beautiful flower strings around the house to invite positive energies.
Make Seating Arrangements for the Guests
A Grihpravesh requires people to sit on the floor. Place carpets/ mattresses/ rugs on the floor or arrange chairs for guests who can’t sit on the floor.
Plants
Adorn the house with decorative planters. Adding greenery brings positive energies. Keep auspicious indoor plants like peace lily, aloe Vera, bamboo, etc.
Return gift ideas
To convey gratitude to your guests, you can give gifts like –
- Ganesha idol
- Home decor items
- Potted plants
- Scented candles
Personalized Invitation
Create an invite using one of the many tools available online like Canva. Send the invite to family & friends using WhatsApp or other social media platforms. For elders, it’s a good idea to call them besides inviting via WhatsApp.
On Canva (or similar platforms), there are card designs and themes you can explore and create a customized invite.
What To Wear on a Grihpravesh?
Wear ethnic clothes in auspicious colours. Auspicious colours include red, orange, yellow, etc. Women can opt from lehengas or saris and accessorize with bangles, gold jewellery, bindi, etc. Men can go for a kurta – pajama and accessorize with a stole.
