Gruha Pravesam : An Important Ceremony While Entering A New House

Gruha Pravesam : A Traditional housewarming ceremony performed while entering a new home. Here is a breakdown of the materials and rituals typically involved:

Materials required:

• Sitaram Patam (Photograph of deities)
• Lakshmi and Ganesha Patam (Idols or pictures of deities)
• Turmeric and saffron
• Nava dhanyas (Nine types of grains)
• Salt, curd, tur dal, kavvamu (colored rice), lemons, knife
• Kudumulu (Steamed rice flour dumplings)
• Coconuts (2)

Gruha Pravesam & Procedure To Follow

1. The priest asks the ladies to carry a pooja platter, and the men bring in the Lakshmi devi Patam (idol/picture) and enter the house.
2. Kudumulu preparation: Mix rice flour, salt, soaked chickpeas, and hot water to make a dough. Cook it similar to idli batter. With one cup of rice flour, around 10 kudumulu can be prepared.
3. After the Gruha Pravesham is complete, the kudumulu’s tiffin box is opened, and the steam from the kudumus is believed to enter the house.
4. The priest ties an ash guard to the house for protection.
5. A coconut is broken, and lemon is cut and placed on the two sides of the house as symbolic elements.
6. A cow and calf are brought into the house and allowed to roam inside.
7. Various items are arranged on the pooja peeta (ritual pedestal), including betel leaves, dry dates, turmeric horns, bananas, coconuts, rice, and more. These items are later gifted to the priest.
8. Other materials used during the ceremony include akshinthas (sacred water), camphor, vattu (holy ash), cotton, oil, kundi (a small vessel), bell, harati (waving of lamps), leaves, vakka packet (betel nut packet), garland, flowers, lemons, knife, bowl, ladle, platter, stove, masiguda (cloth for holding vessels), old cloth, rice, jaggery, cashews, ghee, yams, salt, curd, kandipapu (red lentils), cowpea, fresh water, pillows, blankets, clothes, and mats.
9. The parents of the girl may bring the katnam (dowry/gifts). A Pongali bowl is brought by the parents, and it is applied with turmeric and saffron dots. Milk is boiled and allowed to overflow onto the stove. Afterward, Pongali (sweet rice dish) is made.
10. The lady of the house is seated on the pestel (ritual grinding stone), and kumkum is applied to her forehead. She is then given tambulas (betel leaves and nuts).
11. Vastu pooja (worship of the house) is performed, and Pongali and kudumulu are served along with ginger chutney to all the guests.
12. The ash guard is decorated with kalyam bottu (vermilion mark) and the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy vratam (a ritual associated with Lord Vishnu) is performed. Lunch is served to all the guests on that day.

These rituals may vary slightly based on regional customs and personal preferences but generally follow the auspicious traditions of Gruha Pravesham.

Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=648&action=edit