Grihapraveshnam

A big event for home-owners, its the ritual to boil milk, basically lit the fire in the kitchen for the first time ever. It is considered auspicious to spill milk as its a sign of prosperity and well-being.

We decided to conduct our house-warming ceremony on the first day of Onam which is a great day and the Muhurtam was set for 6 AM to 6.20 AM early morning on August 26th. We invited some close friends over for the simple event and breakfast afterwards.

We woke up early that day, took a bath and headed over to our new house. We were running a bit late, & got to our house only by 6.10 or so. My honey and I entered the house and I let the diya and placed some flowers at the altar of Lord Guruvayoorappan.

Then we rushed to the kitchen, to lit the stove and heat the milk. We had a new vessel especially bought for the ceremony and we waited anxiously to see the boiling of milk. As if on cue, our friends arrived in time to see the spilling of milk. Since it is considered "prasadam" we decided to make some payasam out of the same milk for everyone.

My mother-in law and her friend started to make idly and tea for everyone. I played the grand hostess and walked everyone around our new house. Kutie was at his best behaviour (even though he woke up very early) playing with everyone and running around the large empty house. He seemed to enjoy the hardwood floors and crawled around with so much noise that we were afraid that he will get hurt!

We came back to our apartment for lunch and to get some rest. As it is customary to sleep in the new house on the day of grihapraveshnam we went back home. Next day being Monday, we had to get up early and rush back to our apartment to get ready for work.

All in all, the event was a great! It was interesting to wake up in our house and move around. I find myself dreaming of what it will be like to have actually move in here ... which would not happen until 2nd week of September.