Namkaran Sanskar: A Special Ceremony for Your Baby’s Name

Namkaran, or the naming ceremony, is a Hindu sanskar in which the family chooses a name for the newborn. The term Namkaran comes from Sanskrit and has two words: Naam, which means name, and Karan, which means to create. 

In most Hindu families, the naming function is planned 11 days after the child’s birth. Until now, the mother and baby are in post-natal care, ending with the Shuddhikaran puja. 

Therefore, Namkaran vidhi is usually performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth, just before the Shuddhikaran puja. A priest decides the most auspicious day and time to perform the ceremony. 

Where is Namkaran Sanskar performed?

One of the best charms of a Hindu ritual is its adaptability. You can perform the Namkaran ceremony according to your comfort and preferences. 

Generally, family and friends gather in a temple or home to select the name and bless the child. Some may opt for a close-knit private function, while others plan a grand celebration with many guests. 

The primary purpose of the ceremony is to connect the baby to the family lineage and cultural beliefs through a name that will become their identity. 

How is Namkaran Sanskar performed?

The Namkaran ceremony is celebrated differently across India, depending on the culture, state, or community. However, a priest usually starts the samskara by chanting mantras and offering prayers to the Almighty. This is followed by a havan, where the parents seek blessings for their little ones. 

In some households, the child's Bua or paternal aunt chooses their name. Later, the preferred name is whispered in the baby’s ears and shared with the family. Some cultures follow a different way of naming the child. 

Here, a bronze plate is filled with grains, and the father writes the name on the grains using a gold stick. Later, the father or paternal aunt of the child whispers the name into the baby’s right ear four times and recites a prayer. 

Another way to celebrate the Namkaran ceremony is to gather at least five married women who perform various rituals explained in the Hindu religion. Moreover, some families perform the ritual by placing the baby in the cradle, where each family member rocks the cradle and blesses the kid. 

How to choose the right name for the baby?

In Hindu families, a name is believed to significantly influence the child’s personality, thoughts, and destiny. Most parents prefer a name that aligns perfectly with their baby’s astrological configuration, ensuring good fortune. Usually, a priest advises choosing a name based on the baby's date of birth or sun sign. 

They create a chart assessing the child’s date and time of birth. Based on the analysis, the priest gives a letter, and families decide on a name using the same letter. It brings good luck to the little one. 

Some parents use the astrological name, while others keep it private. The parents who plan to keep it hidden choose a different name during the Namkaran ceremony, which becomes the child's official name. 

Wrapping up

The Namkaran ceremony is a beautiful tradition that connects a child with a family’s lineage. It gives the child a name or identity for life. We hope you enjoyed the information.

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