Purpose
Vahana Pooja is performed on a newly purchased vehicle, before it is used regularly. The intent is protection on the road and gratitude for the acquisition.
What happens
Ganapati pooja opens the rite. The purohit performs a sankalpa naming the owner and the vehicle, applies haldi and kumkum swastikas to the bonnet or handlebar, offers flowers and camphor aarti, and ties a protective thread. Lemons are placed under the wheels and driven over as the vehicle moves for the first time. A coconut is broken.
Best days
Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Shravana and Revati nakshatras are favoured. Ashtami, Navami and Amavasya are usually avoided. Many families do it on the delivery day itself, before driving home from the showroom.
Practical notes
Wash the vehicle beforehand. Park where the purohit can walk around it fully. The owner should be present for the sankalpa. Keep four lemons ready. The whole rite takes 30 to 45 minutes.