Vehicle Puja / Car Puja
The Vehicle Puja, also known as Vahana Puja or Car Puja, is a traditional Hindu ritual performed to invoke divine blessings for a new vehicle. This ritual is conducted to ensure the safety, prosperity, and smooth functioning of the vehicle. It is a common practice to perform this puja whenever a new vehicle is acquired, be it a car, bike, truck, or any other mode of transportation.
 
Significance: The Vehicle Puja is performed to seek the blessings of the deities for the protection of the vehicle and its occupants. It is believed to remove any negative influences and to ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition and free from accidents or mishaps. The puja also symbolizes gratitude to the divine for providing the means of transportation.
Procedure:
Ganesh Puja: The ceremony begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to ensure the successful completion of the puja and to bless the vehicle with safety and prosperity.
Kalash Sthapana: A kalash (sacred pot) filled with water is placed and decorated with mango leaves and a coconut. This symbolizes the presence of deities and invites their blessings.
Sprinkling of Holy Water: The priest sprinkles holy water (Ganga jal) on the vehicle to purify it. This act symbolizes the removal of any negative energies and sanctifies the vehicle.
Application of Haldi and Kumkum: Turmeric (haldi) and vermilion (kumkum) are applied to the vehicle, particularly on the steering wheel, dashboard, and wheels. This is done to invoke divine protection and blessings.
Breaking of Coconut: A coconut is broken in front of the vehicle, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Chanting of Mantras: Specific mantras are chanted to invoke the blessings of various deities, particularly Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati (for safe and knowledgeable driving), and Lord Hanuman (for strength and protection).
Offering of Prasad: Sweets, fruits, and other offerings are made to the deities. The prasad is later distributed among family members and friends, symbolizing the sharing of blessings.
Aarti and Prayers: An aarti (ritual of worship with a lighted lamp) is performed to honor the deities and seek their continued blessings for the vehicle and its occupants.
Tying of Protective Threads: Protective threads (often red or yellow) are tied to the vehicle’s steering wheel, mirrors, or handlebars to ward off evil eyes and negative energies.
Cultural Significance: The Vehicle Puja is a blend of devotion, gratitude, and cultural tradition. It reflects the deep connection between spirituality and daily life in Hindu culture. By performing this puja, devotees express their reverence for the divine and their desire for protection and prosperity in all aspects of life, including travel and transportation.
 
This ritual underscores the belief that divine blessings are essential for safety and success, ensuring that the vehicle serves its purpose well and that journeys undertaken in it are safe and auspicious.