Rituals & Devotional Guide

Shiva Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolising reflection, transformation, and spiritual discipline. It is commonly performed at home on Mondays or during Maha Shivratri.

The ceremony may include abhishekam, prayers, offerings, and aarti.

This guide explains the significance of Shiva Puja and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern home settings.

Vastu Shanti Puja is a traditional ritual performed to harmonise the energies of a home or property. It is commonly conducted before entering a new residence or after major renovations, symbolically inviting balance and well-being into the space.

The ceremony includes preparation of the dwelling, prayers, offerings, and sometimes a small havan. Many families perform Vastu Shanti alongside Griha Pravesh Puja when moving into a new home.

This guide explains the purpose of Vastu Shanti Puja, when it is traditionally observed, and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern living environments.

Holi is the Festival of Colours — but it is also a celebration of renewal, togetherness and new beginnings. As winter fades and spring arrives, families mark the season through meaningful rituals, joyful gatherings and vibrant colour. From the symbolic fire of Holika Dahan to the playful energy of Rangwali Holi, each tradition carries a story that has been passed down for generations.

Across India, Holi is celebrated in many regional ways — devotional, musical, festive and community-led. In the Netherlands and across Europe, the festival continues as Phagwa and as warm home celebrations, where colour is shared gently, sweets are offered to guests, and friends and neighbours reconnect.

In this Holi festival guide, discover the meaning behind Holi traditions, the symbolism of Holi colours, and the festive flavours that define the celebration — from gujiya and ladoo to cooling thandai and savoury snacks. Whether you celebrate in a park, a community event or at home with family, Holi invites you to step into spring with colour, warmth and joy.

Godh Bharai is a traditional ceremony celebrated during pregnancy to bless the mother-to-be and welcome the upcoming child. It symbolises joy, protection, and family continuity.

The celebration includes prayers, blessings, symbolic offerings, and gathering of relatives and friends.

This guide explains the significance of Godh Bharai and how families in Europe adapt the ceremony to modern home settings.

Kuber Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Lord Kuber, symbolising responsible prosperity and financial discipline. It is often performed during Diwali or when marking financial milestones.

The ceremony includes prayers, symbolic offerings, and aarti, focusing on gratitude and mindful stewardship of resources.

This guide explains the significance of Kuber Puja and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern home settings.

Varalakshmi Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her benevolent form, traditionally observed by married women for family prosperity and harmony.

The ceremony includes preparation of a decorated kalash, prayers, offerings, and aarti. It is commonly performed in homes as an expression of gratitude and devotion.

This guide explains the significance of Varalakshmi Puja and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern living environments.

Ganesh Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha, symbolising clarity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. It is commonly performed before new ventures or important life events.

The ceremony includes preparation of a simple altar, prayers, offerings, and aarti.

This guide explains the significance of Ganesh Puja and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern home settings.

Griha Pravesh Puja is a traditional housewarming ritual performed when entering a newly built or newly purchased home. The ceremony symbolises a respectful beginning and seeks blessings for harmony, stability, and well-being within the household.

Typically conducted before fully settling into the property, the ritual includes preparation of the space, prayers, symbolic entry, and offerings. It may involve a simple altar setup with a kalash, coconut, rice, flowers, and a diya, depending on family tradition.

This guide explains the purpose of Griha Pravesh Puja, when it is traditionally observed, and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern homes while preserving its essential meaning.

Lakshmi Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity, balance, and well-being. It is commonly performed at home during Diwali or as a standalone ceremony to express gratitude and invite harmony into the household.

The ritual includes preparation of an altar, prayers, offerings, and aarti. Many families observe Lakshmi Puja to mark financial milestones or personal beginnings.

This guide explains the significance of Lakshmi Puja and how families in Europe adapt the ceremony to modern home settings.

Satyanarayan Puja is a devotional ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Satyanarayan, symbolising truth, gratitude, and righteous living. It is commonly performed at home to mark important life moments such as housewarmings, anniversaries, new beginnings, or as an expression of thanksgiving.

A central part of the ritual is the recitation of the Satyanarayan Katha — a sacred narrative that highlights the value of sincerity, devotion, and ethical conduct. The puja typically includes preparation of a small altar, offering of fruits and prasad, reading of the katha, aarti, and distribution of prasad among family and guests.

This guide explains the purpose of Satyanarayan Puja, when it is traditionally observed, and how families in Europe adapt the ritual to modern home settings while preserving its essential meaning.