Griha Pravesh (housewarming)
Griha Pravesh is the ceremony of entering a home for the first time, held at a chosen muhurat. Tradition favours fixed and soft nakshatras, the months of Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha, and days clear of Holashtak and Adhik maas.
Also known as: Grih Pravesh, Griha Pravesam, Gruhapravesam, Gruha Pravesha
Tradition recognises three kinds: Apurva, the first entry into a newly built home; Sapurva, moving back into a home after a long absence; and Dvandva, re-entering after major renovation or repair. The first is treated most carefully, and the ceremony usually includes a Vastu Shanti puja, a kalash, and milk boiled until it overflows.
A griha pravesh muhurat looks for a fixed or soft nakshatra such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada or Revati; a good tithi, mostly in the bright half and never later than Ekadashi in the dark half, avoiding the Rikta tithis, Ashtami and Amavasya; and any weekday but Sunday or Tuesday. Holashtak, Adhik maas and the setting (combustion) of Jupiter or Venus are avoided, as are Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda and Bhadra, and the entry can fall by day or at night.
The classical texts rank Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha best and accept Kartika and Margashirsha; the other months, which include most of Chaturmas and Kharmas, are passed over. If the move date is fixed by practical needs, a short puja at the best available window is a common and sensible compromise.