Recently I got lucky enough to work at the coolest occasion ever - first of all, because it was very traditional, very colorful and flavored, but most importantly it was my friends who had it held at their fresh new home, and it was a huge event for their family, great celebration for their guests and a big deal for me. I've never been to India before, so during those hours at their place I felt so much cultural vibes like never before! Dear all, here goes my picture story about that day.

Griha Pravesh is a traditional Vedic ritual which is performed when owners enter a newly built or newly purchased property for the first time. Since the property or the place might have many impurities, all of them must be warded off in prior time before entering or residing in that place in order to stay away from inauspiciousness. So, generally speaking, Griha Pravesh is the Hindu housewarming ceremony. The day when the ceremony is performed must be determined according to traditional astrological charts found in the Hindu astrological almanac or Panchangam.

Griha Pravesh includes two Hindu religious ceremonies performed by the priest – Vastu Pooja and Vastu Shanti. Vastu Pooja is not performed inside the house. Objects used in this ceremony are a copper pot full of water, navadhanya (9 grains – black sesame, horse gram, bengal gram, green gram, black gram, rice, chickpeas, white beans and wheat), coin, red cloth, red thread and a coconut. After the ceremony copper pot is put next to the family havan (ceremonial fire).

The havan is the essential element of the Vastu Shanti ceremony. The purpose of this ceremony is remove the negative influence of planets and create the positive atmosphere inside the house. If the priest believes that it is needed he also performs more poojas like Ganphathi, Lakshmi or Satyranarayan pooja.

And here go some of my favorite photos of my favorite couple! Congrats again, Swati and Nirav, on your new home. Let it be prosperous, full of happiness, joy and smiles!