Griha Pravesh

The bridal Griha Pravesh follows the vidaai, when the bride leaves her parental home, and it formally welcomes her into the groom's family. The mother-in-law or other female elders typically receive the bride at the doorway with an aarti and other rituals of welcome.

A widely practiced custom involves placing a small pot or measure filled with rice at the threshold, which the bride gently topples with her right foot as she enters. This is interpreted as a sign of incoming prosperity and abundance (associated with the goddess Lakshmi) being brought into the home by the new bride. In many traditions the bride then steps into a shallow tray of red liquid and walks forward, leaving auspicious footprints across the floor.

The rituals symbolize the bride's acceptance as a member of the household and the prosperity she is believed to bring with her. As with most Indian wedding customs, the specific practices of griha pravesh vary considerably by region and community, but the welcoming and auspicious framing of the bride's first entry is broadly shared.