House Warming Cakes

House warming or Griha Pravesh (in Hindu Culture) is a ceremony performed on the occasion of one's first entry into a new house. Once the house is ready for occupation, the family moves in on an auspicious day that is determined by the astrological charts. There are basically 3 types of house warming ceremonies.

Apoorva: First entry to newly constructed house is called apoorva (meaning “new”) griha pravesh.

Sapoorva: Re-entry into an already occupied house after a long period of time is called sapoorva griha pravesh.

Dwandwah: Re-entry into a house after reconstruction or renovation subsequent to damage due to fire, flood or earthquake, is termed as dwandwah (meaning “old”) griha pravesh.

The following rites or ceremonies are performed during griha pravesh.

•    Vastu pooja - Vastu pooja for vastu devata is performed outside the house before the actual entry into the house. A copper pot is filled with water, navadhanya (nine kinds of grains) and one rupee coin. A coconut is then placed on the top of the pot. Coconut is covered with the red cloth and tied with the red thread called “moli”. After this the priest performs the pooja, and the husband and wife take this copper pot in the house together and place it near the havan (meaning “ceremonial fire”).

•    Vastu Shanti - Vastu shanti or Griha shanti, involves the havan. A havan is performed to prevent harmful influences of the planets, remove negative vibrations and create a peaceful environment.

These two poojas are essential and other poojas like Ganpathi Pooja, Satyanarayan Pooja or Lakshmi Pooja are optional.
Once all the poojas are concluded, a feast is offered to the priest and all the invitees. The priest is then honoured with “dakshina” (meaning “fees for his services”) and his blessings are sought. The other invitees then wish the hosts with “good wishes” along with the gifts.

Once the griha pravesh ceremony is completed, family can then move into the house.