Source: Asian Paints

Spilling Over Prosperity

South Indians follow a housewarming tradition called Palkachal. "When we buy a new home, we boil milk and let it spill over," says Hymavathy Kappat, a homemaker from Kerala who resides in Mumbai. The boiling over of the milk is a symbolic of prosperity overflowing in the home, she explains.

After that, there is a lunch arranged for everyone, not just friends and family. But this is something that is only done in Kerala and not other places. You really can't afford to leave your doors open for everyone in a city like Mumbai.

Home Sweet Home

"In a Sikh Punjabi home, Path, a special pooja is performed by the priest. Then the lady of the house prepares something sweet in the kitchen," says Gurjeet Sehmbey, a Sikh Punjabi. A sweet is made when there is a celebration and it is also auspicious.

It is believed that a home has a soul of its own. If the previous owners of the home have had constant quarrels, it might affect the new owners as well. Hence, the sweet helps nullify the negative energy and stands for the sweetness of life.

Enthroning God

"The sacred heart of Jesus picture is a must in every Catholic home," says Ben Machado, a Mangalorian. That picture comes into the home at the time of the housewarming. It symbolizes enthroning Jesus as the Lord of your home, he says.

Read more about Different Kinds of Prayer Rooms

The priest blesses the altar and the picture and then sprinkles holy water on the walls of every room. The owners of the home then give the priest a token of appreciation.

And then it is time for family and friends to feast on delicious food.