The first invitations: Why are Gods given the first invitation to any sacred ceremony or ritual

For Hindus around the world, every special occasion, ceremony, or ritual begins with a prayer. And post this prayer, they send invitations. And unlike in other cultures where invitations are first sent to close family or friends, Hindus send the first invitations to Gods. In fact, some people deliver them personally in their close temples, to specific Gods. And this is not just done as a formality, but has deep thoughts and wishes for blessings related to it.
Here we mention where the first invitations are sent before any marriage, ceremony, or event.

No matter what the occasion is, a marriage, a naming ceremony, an engagement, or even a housewarming, the first invitation is always sent to Lord Ganesha, the Vighnaharta. He is the remover of all obstacles and thus the first prayer and invite is sent to him.
Before starting any new journey or event, or an occasion that people wish to be completed successfully and without any obstacles, they take Lord Ganesha’s name, and invite him to the ceremony or ritual. People write ‘Shri Ganeshaya Namah’ at the top of the invitation card or conduct a Ganesh puja before the main ceremony.

The second invite, especially for a marriage ceremony, is sent to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi. In events like weddings or housewarmings, blessings of the duo are especially important as they both bless the couple with love, abundance, balance, and more.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu makes sure that the ritual or event is protected from harm, and Maa Lakshmi ensures that there isn’t a deficit of anything in the event. Maa Lakshmi brings abundance of money, happiness, love, and more, and thus the second invite is given to them.

After Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Maa Lakshmi, the third invite is given to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that with Lord Hanuman’s strength, devotion, and protection, and his presence, no evil will break through the shield that he creates during the ceremony or rituals. He becomes the guardian who watches over the event and ensures that no negative energy enters the space.

Every family traditionally has a Kuldevta or Kuldevi, who is basically the guardian deity of not just the family, but also of generations before them. The Kuldevi or Devta is usually of a whole Kul, which can be a whole community or just a family.
And so after Lord Hanuman, the invite goes to the Kuldevi or Kuldevta for blessings of abundance and protection.

After the Kuldevi or Kuldevta is worshipped, the people send an invite and pray to their Isht dev, basically the God who they connect most with and pray to in times of need. It could be Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Maa Saraswati, or any other God or Goddess.

After this invite, comes the chance for the family members, friends, and other people. The last special invite is for the Pitra, or the ancestors, and to invite them and take their blessings people remember them in their hearts, light a diya near their pictures, and pray to them to invite their blessings onto the ceremony.

There are many different reasons why gods are always given the first invitation to Hindu ceremonies, but the most important of them all are blessings and protection. Every ritual is a new beginning and asking for God’s blessings is important. Plus, starting any event by remembering God creates a sacred atmosphere. By inviting Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and others, you also ensure that the event goes by without any obstacles as the divine powers come in your favour.