SIXTEEN (16) sanskars (religious ceremonies)

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1. Garbhadhana (Impregnation) - Concentration acceptance ceremony - After sanctifying marriage ceremony

2.  Punsavana - Ceremony of graceful care of the embryo to the development of the fetus. During the second or third month of pregnancy.

3. Simantonnayana - Inviting God’s blessing for the development of the fetus to a full baby. Conducted from the fourth month of pregnancy and onwards into the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

4.  Jatakarma - This is an important ceremony to accept and identify the new born as an individual.

5. Namakarana - Naming a child - Naming ceremony (Naam karan) which is usually the 11th day from the birth of the new born baby.

6.  Niskramana - Ceremony is invoking God’s blessing to expose the new comer to the outside world and to pray for the well being of the baby. This ceremony is normally conducted when the baby is 2 to 4 months of age.

7. Annaprasana - first feeding of solid food. This is undertaken when the baby is between 4 to 6 months of age. It is thanking planet earth as well as the universe that provides the basic essentials of life – air, food, water etc.

8. Chudakarma - Mundan- first shaving of the head. This is one of the most important ceremonies in the Hindu culture. It is a self-awakening ceremony that gives confidence to the child – Between one year and onwards

9. Karnavedha  - Piercing of the Ear.  Is normally done when the child is between 3 to 5 years of age.

10. Upanayana –Janeu (Sacred Thread ceremony) - This ceremony is related to male’s only. It reduces the fear of outer world and makes a man strong for isolation and separation from parents as he goes to school etc.  Performed during 5-7 years.

11. Vedarambha - The education enrichment ceremony which is undertaken when the child is 5 years of age.

12. Samavartana - It is a welcoming ceremony to accept the grown-up as a qualified individual. It is undertaken after completion of studies, to return home and to prepare for the next stage of life.

13. Vivaha (Marriage) - Vivah is the second part of our life and responsibilities. Taking and accepting responsibilities and challenges of a new world all alone. Projecting ourselves in a matured manner, and capable of doing everything in future. Provides for new emotions and sense of responsibility to a person.

14. Vanaprastha Ashram - 3rd stage of life – Detachment from materialistic world. Vanaprastha Ashram Is the name of that stage of life where we think of detachment of our artificial interests from the demanding world. This period teaches us to spare our time for god and poor people as well as attachment with nature. It is usually undertaken between 50 and 70 years of age and his stage is similar to a retirement planning state.

15. Sanyasa Ashram (monk) Sanyasa is the selfless service to mankind that is attained by spiritual awakening – dedicating life to GOD. Undertaken at the age of 60 years onwards.

16. Antyesthi (Cremation) - This ceremony is the third ceremony in a human being’s life which he cannot see or participate in it. This is done by his/her beloveds. This is the 16th Sanskar and the last ceremony we can say it is when the body meets its real creator.