Grah Vastu Puja.

When it comes to a property investment, home owners are generally particular about auspicious days and performing a griha pravesh, before moving in. We examine the significance of this ceremony and the points to consider.

A griha pravesh ceremony is performed, when one enters a new home for the first time. “It is important, not just for the owner but also for the entire family,” says Mumbai-based Jayshree Dhamani, a Vastu Shastra and astrology expert. According to Vastu, a house is made up of five elements – the sun, earth, water, fire and wind and the proper alignment of these elements in a house, brings happiness, good health and prosperity.

“It is believed that entering a home during an auspicious time, makes life easy and there will be minimum struggle for the family, after moving into the new house. Days that are most favourable for such muhurats are Vasant Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya, Gudi Padwa, Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashmi), while days like Uttarayana, Holi, Adhikmas and Shraddha Paksha are to be avoided,” adds Dhamani. A house warming performed on Dussehra does not even require an auspicious time, as every moment of this day is considered auspicious. Before the griha pravesh, a kalash pooja is usually performed.