Vahana Puja

Vahana Puja, also known as Vehicle Puja, is a Hindu ritual performed to bless and sanctify vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and trucks. The word "vahana" means "vehicle" in Sanskrit, and the ceremony is rooted in the belief that invoking divine protection ensures the safety, longevity, and prosperity of both the vehicle and its occupants.

The ritual typically involves cleaning and decorating the vehicle with flowers and garlands, applying auspicious marks like sandalwood paste or vermilion, and offering items such as coconuts, incense, and lamps. Prayers and mantras are recited, often beginning with a Ganapathi Puja to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for the removal of obstacles. Breaking a coconut in front of the vehicle symbolizes the breaking of one's ego and the wish for a smooth, safe journey.

Vahana Puja is performed both at temples and at home, often with the assistance of a priest, but often by family members themselves. The ceremony is seen as an expression of gratitude to the divine for the ability to acquire a vehicle and a way to seek ongoing protection from accidents and misfortune. In modern times, this tradition remains popular, reflecting both spiritual devotion and cultural values around new beginnings and safety.