Griha Pravesh is a ceremony performed on the occasion of one`s first entry into a new house or sometimes for a re-entry in an old house. Once the house is ready, the family moves in an auspicious day that is determined by the astrological charts. This Griha Pravesh is an old practiced ritual since the Vedic period.the gods and planets are symbolically invited to the newly built home and a puja is performed to appease gods so that they bless the house and its occupants. The puja is also conducted to keep away negative forces and is also marked as the thanksgiving ceremony to the gods and the ancestors for the boon of having a new house. During the Griha Pravesh the `Muhurt` or the auspicious moment is decided according to `Panchang` or Hindu almanac.

Three types of Griha Pravesh are conducted following the ancient Holy Scriptures:
APOORVA :This is the first entry to a newly constructed house on a newly selected land. Apoorva means `New`Griha Pravesh.

SAPOORVA: This is the entry into an already existing house after traveling abroad or migrating elsewhere.

DWANDWAH:Entry into a house after its reconstruction or renovation consequent to damage due to fire, flood or earthquake is termed as Dwandwah or `Old` Griha Pravesh.

For Apoorva Griha Pravesh, the exact auspicious moment is required. For Sapoorva Griha Pravesh and Dwandwah Griha Pravesh, the purity of Panchang should be given due consideration. In a newly built house, the first entry is fortunate when the sun is in `Uttarayan` position and for old or renovated houses the Guru (Jupiter) or Shukra(Venus) is setting. The auspicious and inauspicious months according to the lunar calendar have an important impact on Griha Pravesh.

Griha Pravesh in Magh(part January and part February) symbolizes gain of wealth; Falgun (part February and part March) indicates gain of children and wealth; Baisakh (part April and part May) denotes growth of wealth and prosperity while Jeshtha (part May and part June) brings gain of son and cattle. These are all auspicious months. According to Panchang, the result of Griha Pravesh would be fair that is there will be no significant effect if it is done on Kartik(part October and part November) and Margshirsh (part November and part December). If the Griha Pravesh is done on inauspicious months the result can be negative like could lead to losses, pains, troubles and fear of enemies.The Ashadh(part June and part July), Bhadrapad (part August and part September), Ashwin (part September and part October) and Paush (part December and part January).

Furthermore according to `Tithies` or dates according to lunar calendar 4th, 9th and 14th of a month and Amavas(new moon night) should be avoided. It is also should be keep in mind that no Griha Pravesh is held on a Tuesday.

There are two main ceremonies in Griha Pravesh-Vastu Pooja and Vastu Shanti.
VASTU POOJA : Vastu pooja is contucted outside the house before the actual entry to satiate Vastu Devata. A copper pot is filled with water, `Navadhanya`(nine kinds of grains) and a one rupee coin. A cocnut is then placed on top of the pot and it is covered with a red cloth, which in turn tied with the red thread called `Moli`. After this the priest perform the pooja and the husband and wife, who are the owner of the house take the copper pot together into the house and place it near the `Havan` or ceremonial fire.

VASTU SHANTI : Vastu Shanti or Griha Shanti involves the Havan or Homa. A havan is performed to create a peaceful environment and to keep away all the negative forces and to prevent harmful influences of the planets.This is done with drawing a `Mandala` to invoke the god and nine planets, which act as witnesses to the ceremony. The next ritual is oblation to the Havan. Camphor, sesame, grain and fuel sticks, along with other ingredients are offered to fire or `Agni`, which is supposed to convey them to the gods. The family must carry the Havan kunda to every room. The various herbal and medicinal ingredients in the smoke from Havan disinfect and purify the air within the house. The house is then encircled thrice with threads, starting from the east, which is considered as most auspicious side. At the same time, water is poured as continuous stream around the house. Both of these rituals signify the barrier around the house and protection of it from the evil influences. This is done along with chanting of the Rakshoghna Mantra and the Pavamana Mantra. Next a pit is dug in the southeast corner of the boundary of the house. The sides of the pit are fortified with cowdung paste and the pit is then worshipped. A brick box containing corn, moss and flowers are placed inside the pit, after which the pit is filled up. Since corn symbolizes fertility, this is believed to ensure prosperity.

Once all the pujas are done, a feast and some Dakshina or fees are offered to the priest for his service and well wishes.

The Vastu Pooja and Vastu Shanti are the two essential part of Griha Pravesh. The other Poojas done are Ganapati pooja, Satyanarayan pooja or Lakshmi pooja. Though these poojas are optional and performed only on the recommendation of the priest.

The Griha Pravesh is not complete until the doors of the houses are fitted with shutters, the roof is covered., the Vastu Devata is worshipped or offered sacrifice and the priest is offered some feast. The Griha Pravesh or House Warming ceremony should not be performed if the lady of the house is pregnant. This should be considered while entering a new house and all the procedures given in the scriptures should be followed strictly, otherwise according to Hindu Shastra, troubles and miseries could appear in the house-dwellers lives.

Once the Griha Pravesh ceremony is completed, the family can move into the house. The newly built house should not be locked for few days, as that is considered inauspicious. The holy water is sprinkled all over the house. Finally the guests are served food as `Atithi Narayana`(Guest Is God).