havan

Havan, also spelled havana or homa in some contexts, is a Vedic ritual of making offerings to a sacred fire. The term derives from Sanskrit havana, meaning an offering or sacrifice by fire. In traditional practice, the fire is kindled in a havan kund and is regarded as a living witness to the ritual, through which offerings are conveyed to the deities and the cosmos.

During a havan, a trained priest or householder recites mantras while placing offerings into the flames. Common samagri (substances offered) include ghee (clarified butter), grains, seeds, herbs, wood, and sometimes spices or milk products. The specific ingredients and chants vary by region, purpose, and occasion. The ritual is often accompanied by prayers for purification, blessing, or the well-being of individuals or communities, and it is sometimes performed as part of larger ceremonies or life events.

Relationship to related concepts: Havan is a form of yajna, a broader category of fire oblations described in Vedic literature. It is closely related to the term homa, with regional and linguistic preferences influencing usage. While havan emphasizes the ritual fire offering, yajna can encompass broader ritual sacrifices conducted with various implements and intentions.

Cultural context and usage: Havan remains a common feature of Hindu worship and household rituals, including daily puja, festivals, weddings, housewarmings, and other rites of passage. It is most prevalent in South Asia, though practices resembling havan occur in diaspora communities worldwide. In modern practice, havan can be adapted for small domestic settings or elaborate temple ceremonies. The term havan may also appear as a place name or surname in some regions, reflecting its broader cultural presence.