Jatakarma and Namakaranam are important Hindu rituals performed soon after a child’s birth.
Jatakarma is the first ritual performed for a newborn, usually on the day of birth or the following day. It marks the child’s entry into the world and includes rituals like whispering mantras into the baby's ears to invoke divine blessings for health and protection. The baby may also be bathed, and some communities perform a symbolic offering of honey or ghee to ensure the child's well-being and strength. This ceremony signifies the start of the child's life and is filled with joy and prayers for its future.
Namakaranam is the naming ceremony, usually performed on the 11th day or after a few weeks, where the child is officially given a name. The family and priest gather for prayers, and the name is chosen with astrological or spiritual significance. The ritual is filled with blessings for the child’s growth, success, and well-being.
Both ceremonies celebrate the child’s life and invoke blessings for a prosperous future.
