Shop / Office Opening Puja

An opening puja (udghatan puja) blesses a new shop, office or business with Ganesha and Lakshmi's blessings for success and prosperity.

Why is Shop / Office Opening Puja performed?

Starting work with prayers to the remover of obstacles and the goddess of wealth is a tradition for every new venture.

Who performs it?

Businesses of every size in India and abroad; often with a Satyanarayan Katha or Lakshmi-Kuber puja.

When to perform it

On an auspicious day — Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are popular, as are Akshaya Tritiya, Dhanteras and Diwali; see our shop-opening muhurat dates.

Preparing at home

Set up the shop or office first, place the cash box, account books or laptop near the altar, and invite staff and a few customers.

After the puja

The first sale (bohni) is often made to a family member or well-wisher, and sweets are distributed. Many businesses repeat the Lakshmi puja every Diwali.

Regional traditions

Gujarati and Marwari businesses perform Chopda Pujan of new account books on Diwali; South Indian businesses may do Ganapati Homam.

Things to avoid

Check that the space allows a lamp or small havan — malls and offices often have fire-safety rules.

Puja vidhi — step by step

Ganesh puja — Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove obstacles, with akshat, flowers, durva grass and a sweet.
Sankalp — The family sits facing east or north. The pandit states the date, place, family names and gotra, and the purpose of the puja; the host takes water in the right hand as a vow.
Kalash sthapana — A kalash of water with mango leaves and a coconut is set up and worshipped as the seat of the deities and sacred rivers.
Lakshmi-Kuber puja — Worship of Lakshmi and Kuber for wealth.
Bahi-khata puja — New account books, the cash box or laptop are worshipped.
Aarti and prasad — The puja ends with aarti, pushpanjali (offering flowers), prayers for forgiveness of any mistakes, and distribution of prasad.

Families and pandits follow different traditions; your pandit may add or skip steps.

Samagri — what you need

Roli / kumkum
Haldi (turmeric)
Akshat (unbroken rice)
Flowers and garlands
Incense sticks
Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
Camphor
Betel leaves and supari
Fruits
Sweets for prasad
Coconut
Kalash with mango leaves
Gangajal
Red/yellow cloth for the altar
Account book or laptop for the "bahi-khata" puja
Swastik and shubh-labh stickers
Silver coin

Most pandits bring the special items; confirm the list when they contact you.

Request a pandit

Need a pandit for Shop / Office Opening Puja? Tell us your city, language and date — a coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp. No payment on MyPujaWorld.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best day to open a shop?

See our shop-opening muhurat dates; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are commonly preferred.

How much does it cost?

Dakshina varies by city, the pandit's experience and how elaborate the puja is. Ask for a clear quote — including samagri — when the pandit contacts you.