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PARENTING

Welcome Your Baby: Hindu Traditions

Index: Conception, Middle Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, and Early Infancy

Conception
Perform the samskar, or scripture-based rite, of Garbhadana, which is a ceremony
celebrating conception. This fervent prayer hopes that a child will fulfill the parent's
obligation to continue the human race.

Perform the samskar for fetus protection, called Punsavana. This is performed during the
third or fourth month of pregnancy and is thought to invoke divine qualities in a child. It is
also thought to ensure the birth of a male child.

Middle Pregnancy Back to index

Simantonnayana is the ceremony held between the fourth and seventh months of
pregnancy in which the expectant father combs his wife's hair and expresses his love and
support for her.
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 A Seemantham is traditionally held during the seventh month of pregnancy. Similar to a
baby shower, it is organized by family members and involves the gift-giving and religious
ritual. A prayer to fire is recited to soothe the expectant mother. Light instrumental music
is played, and it is believed that this will refine the development of the baby's ears.

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Labor and Delivery Back to index

Jatakarma is the samskar, or sacrament, performed immediately after birth. A mantra is

repeated to the child, often having to do with peace and/or the generation of talent. The
new father welcomes and blesses his child, and may feed him or her with a small taste of
ghee (clarified butter).

Early Infancy Back to index

Perform the samskar of Namakarana, or naming. Held sometime between the 10th and
41st days of life, this ceremony marks the child's formal entry into his or her sect of
Hinduism. Names are chosen according to astrology, and learned persons are consulted in
deciding on a name. Names of gods and goddesses are preferable. This tradition is
considered a special blessing because you will have the added benefit of remembering the
deity each time you say your child's name.

Perform the samskar of Anna-prashana when your baby is ready to start solid food. In
this ceremony, the child receives his or her first feeding with food previously consecrated
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 this ceremony, the child receives his or her first feeding with food previously consecrated
by offering it up to the deities.

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