MUNDAN CEREMONY or TONSURE for Babies

We practice a variety of rituals from birth to death, known as saṃskaras, meaning rites of purification, believed to make the body, mind, soul pure and fit. As a new parent, there is a lot of confusion when it comes to following the old tradition or new beliefs/ ideas.

As a parent, I feel following the old tradition and ritual is fine until it is of any harm to me and my family. Mundan Ceremony or First Haircut is one such important tradition done after the birth of the child.

What is Mundan Ceremony?

Mundan also known as Chaula, Choodakarana, Kesi dahi (in Punjabi) or Tala Neelalu Theeyu Cermony (Telugu), Javal (in Marathi) is tonsuring or shaving of the baby’s hair for the first time after birth. Usually done in first, third, or eighth year.

Where & How is the Mundan Ceremony procedure performed?

Traditionally, a priest or barber is called at home or temple or a holy place to perform the ceremony. Now a days, some people also take their babies to some saloon or beauty parlor for performing Mundan ceremony.

Specific or auspicious day & time is decided by the priest for the Mundan ceremony. A havan or homam is performed by a priest. The mother sits with the child in her lap in front of the sacred fire as told by the priest for havan. The priest shaves off a part of the child’s hair while chanting sacred mantras. After that, the barber shaves off the rest of the hair. In some families, the father performs the initial rite instead of the priest.

The shaven head is then washed by the holy water or Gangajal. Turmeric & sandalwood paste is applied as the mixture helps to cool the head and also heals any of the cuts & wounds. The priest then advises the ways to dispose of the hair. Usually, it is offered to a deity or to a sacred river.

In some cultures,

Mundan for Boys – a tuft of hair (Shikha, Choti) is left on the head

Mundan for Girls – full head is shaved

Believes about the ceremony

• Kids will get long life and a better future

• Better hair growth of the child

• Improve the strength of the nerves in the brain

• Blood circulation

• Protection from the evil eye of others

Advantages of the ceremony for Baby & Parents

• Relief from the sweat especially when done in summers – Long hair, sweat may cause colds & make the baby cranky and irritable in summers

• Relief from the irritation of long hair – Long hair may annoy the baby and make him/her cranky

• Ease in the head bath – No more cries when giving head bath

• Keeps away the lice and other head infections – Clean head leads to no infections

• Family get-together – Ceremony is the best time for a family get-together. Bonding between the new baby & family

• Celebrations, Photo Shoot, and Memories – Helps gathering memories so that we can look back and remember the fun & joy that happened.

Tips for a safe Mundan Ceremony

• Make sure baby has enough sleep and rest on the day of Mundan

• Baby is well-fed so that he/she is not hungry at the time of Ceremony

• If you are traveling to a holy place/ temple, make sure the travel is minimum, so that the baby is not tired

• If travel is too far, make sure you stay in a good hotel at least for 2 nights

• Keep all the toys, pacifiers handy to keep the baby distracted

• Soft & clean cushioning ready for the baby to lie upon

• Provide new shaving equipment to the barber and priest, most of us do not have time to ensure sterilization

• Warm water for rinsing

• A warm bath after the Mundan Procedure to ensure the removal of tiny hair stuck to the skin

• Apply a paste of turmeric mixed with sandalwood, which has antiseptic properties

• Keep ready antiseptics to heal any cuts (if any) on your baby’s head

Gifts idea for Tonsure / Mundan Ceremony

• Clothes – Choose clothes as per the age and the sex of the child

• Box of sweets or dry fruits

• Toys – Choose according to the age. Also, keep in mind the safety of the child

• Story Books – Help him start his/ her educational journey

• Jewelry – For an expensive gift you can give gold/silver items

• Other Baby Gifts

So go forward and do your baby’s Mundan Ceremony Procedure and gather lots of unforgettable memories.

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