Essential Pooja Items for a New Home

Setting up a home altar for a new house begins with intention. Traditionally, the Griha Pravesh pooja centres around a kalash — a copper or brass vessel filled with water — topped with mango leaves and a coconut. Around the kalash you'll want a set of diyas or deepaks for aarti, a small bell whose sound is believed to invite auspicious vibrations, a panchpatra for holy water, and a compact pooja thali to hold camphor, kumkum, incense and sweets. Choose brass for warmth and tradition; German silver for a modern, easy-care alternative; bronze for heirloom-worthy idols.