Renting versus buying brass for festivals
Urlis, lamps and plates: when it makes sense to hire, and how to care for brass you own.
Decorating for a griha pravesam
The entrance, the pooja room and the kitchen: where décor matters most for a housewarming.
A griha pravesam is usually held early in the morning, at an auspicious time, and guests arrive in waves through the day. The décor should welcome people at the door, frame the pooja and leave space for the rituals.
Start with the entrance. A mango-leaf and marigold thoranam across the main door is traditional and essential. Add a kolam at the threshold and a pair of brass lamps on either side.
In the pooja room, keep décor simple: a few garlands, an urli of floating flowers and good light for the priest. Avoid hanging anything near the havan, as the fire and smoke need open space.
The kitchen is where the first milk is boiled. A small garland over the stove and a clean, well-lit counter are enough. Finally, plan seating for elders and a shaded area for guests to eat. In a flat, we usually finish set-up the evening before and add fresh flowers at dawn.
