From Dawn to Dinner: A Ukrainian Creator’s Take on Indian vs. European Housewarmings

When Sandra On, a Ukrainian content creator who lives between Europe and India, posted a short Instagram reel titled “Housewarming in India vs Europe,” she didn’t expect it to spark a flood of comments. The video, just a minute long, showed her standing in a bright kitchen, gesturing between two very different celebrations.

She started the caption with a simple confession: “I thought housewarming parties were basically the same everywhere. You buy a new place, invite family and friends, eat, celebrate, show everyone around.” Little did she know that the Indian version would rewrite that script entirely.

In India, the day began at 6 a.m.—yes, before most people even thought about breakfast. The whole family gathered for a puja, a Hindu ritual led by a priest, chanting mantras and sprinkling holy water. The aim? To bless the four walls, ask for protection, prosperity and peace. Only after the prayers were over did anyone even think about serving food.

“Before anyone even thinks about breakfast, everyone gathers for prayers. The entire focus is on blessing the home first,” Sandra wrote, adding that the breakfast itself was served only after the ritual concluded. The ceremony didn’t stop there. More devotional music, hymns, and even a small fire ceremony (havan) followed, turning the morning into a spiritual marathon.

Only once the rites were finished did the gathering drift into what most of us recognize as a housewarming: a hearty lunch, lots of chatter, and a chance for guests to wander through the new rooms. It felt, to Sandra, like a party that had been gently coaxed out of a solemn prayer service.

Contrast that with the European side of things. There, housewarmings are usually evening affairs. Guests arrive after work, sip a glass of wine, nibble on cheese or snacks, and casually tour the new space. The vibe is relaxed, the focus is on catching up, and there’s rarely a formal ritual.

“What surprised me the most wasn’t the rituals. It was the priorities,” Sandra reflected. “In India, the celebration starts with gratitude. The house isn’t just a new apartment. It’s a place where a family is about to build their life.” She added, almost wistfully, that even as a European‑raised person, she found the Indian devotion beautiful.

Social media users chimed in with their own memories. One comment read, “We Indians believe it’s the blessings of God that let us get a house, so the puja is non‑negotiable.” Another talked about the smell of incense and melting ghee, while a third described regional quirks like boiling milk in a brass pot and the early‑morning start that can be as early as 4 a.m. in South India.

Behind the post, Sandra’s larger mission is to highlight cultural quirks that often go unnoticed. She regularly shares such side‑by‑side videos, hoping to bridge gaps between continents.

As for the takeaway? Whether you greet the day with a prayer or a glass of red, a housewarming is ultimately about welcoming people into a space where new stories will unfold. Sandra’s experience just reminds us that the same sentiment can wear very different clothes.

— Bhavya Sukheja, Senior Content Producer, Hindustan Times