A birthday is easy to plan a cake for and harder to plan a ritual for. A pandit leads a short pooja with a clear sequence, so the family can sit together and the person can start their year with prayers.
Why it is done
A birthday puja is a short home ritual that families hold on a birthday, with prayers to Ganesha and the household deities, often with an aarti and tilak for the birthday person. Customs differ widely, and many families keep it simple.
Who it is for
Children and adults who would like a ritual on their birthday; parents marking a child's birthday; families who want a simple, shared start to the day.
When to do it
Many families hold it in the morning on the birthday, and some by the birth tithi or nakshatra in the Hindu calendar. Your pandit can suggest a time. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour. The standard and extended options are the same format.
- Live video puja: A live video Birthday Puja works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier.
- Standard: One pandit, about 1 hour. Ganesh pooja, kalash, prayers for the birthday person, aarti and prasad. The extended option is the same format on this booking.
- Extended: The extended option is the same one-pandit, one-hour ceremony. If your family wants more rituals, such as a havan, tell us when booking and we will check availability.
Either option gives the same format. If you want something longer, ask us about a homam such as Ayush Homam.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
The sequence
- Sankalp with the birthday person's name
- Ganesh pooja to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Prayers to the household deities
- Tilak and aarti for the birthday person
- Offering of prasad
- Closing prayer
- Family shares prasad
How to prepare
- Clean the space and choose a corner for the pooja
- Keep the birthday person's name, gotra and birth nakshatra ready
- Keep a clean surface for the kalash and puja items
- Keep sweets or fruit ready as prasad
- Decide in advance whether you will use samagri from the pandit or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The birthday person, their parents or spouse, and family who would like to join. Everyone can come for the aarti and prasad.
Your tradition
Many families do this differently, with a short aarti, a tilak, or a havan. Tell us your custom when booking.
Safety
A diya or lamp is an open flame. Keep it on a stable surface, away from curtains, children and pets, and never leave it unattended.
Questions
Is the ceremony only for children? No. People of any age can hold a birthday puja.
How long does it take? About 1 hour, plus a little time to set up.
Can we hold it with the cake cutting? Many families do the puja first and the celebration after. The pandit can fit your plan.
Can we include a havan? Tell us when you book. A havan is not in this format, but we can suggest a homam such as Ayush Homam.
Can it be done on video? Yes. The pandit leads on video while you follow along at home.