When to call a priest

Daily pūjā, festival worship, simple vratas and a basic havan can all be done by the family. A priest is usually called for saṃskāras such as naming, upanayana and marriage; for gṛhapraveśa; for larger homas; and for death rites and the first-year śrāddhas, where families appreciate guidance.

If no priest is available — common in the diaspora — many temples offer services, and some rites can be done with a printed paddhati and a sincere heart.

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