Dhoni’s new house in Ranchi. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Nov. 27: It was a special day for Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his family — their dream home was finally ready with father Paan Singh performing griha pravesh rituals today.

But Dhoni missed the occasion as he was at least 900 miles away in Kanpur leading his team to victory against Sri Lanka in the second Test.

Among those who helped Singh perform the customary rituals at the new house in Harmu Housing Colony included Dhoni’s mother Devki Devi, sister Jayanti Gupta, brother Narendra Singh and brother-in-law Gautam Gupta, besides relatives and close friends.

There was an air of simplicity over today’s function. The entrance to the Rs 5 crore, three-storeyed house built on 5,000sqft of land gifted by the state, was decorated with marigold. There were decorative lights, the only other indication of festivities inside.

A few security guards were deputed outside the house that has a swimming pool, gymnasium, spacious bedrooms, guestroom and a special room for keeping trophies. Also, there was enough space for the Team India captain to set up nets if he felt like practising.

“This is a purely family function and outsiders aren’t invited,” Gautam told the media.

But Dhoni’s next door neighbours, who had made an unsuccessful attempt in high court top stop the construction of the swimming pool in the house, were less than happy — worried about a possible water shortage in the locality due to the pool.

“Now we have to take special care for water conservation as very soon Dhoni’s swimming pool is going to be operational against the will of local residents,” said Sheela, the wife of retired BCCL engineer R.K. Prasad.

Family sources said Dhoni’s family would shift to the house after about a month and a half. Till then, they will continue to stay in the Mecon quarters at Shyamali Colony.