A new born baby brings lots of happiness to a family. Arrival of a new born baby demands celebration irrespective of his/her religion. India, as we know is a country of numerous cultures and traditions. But there is one thing common in each and every culture of India and that is the baby naming ceremony. The procedure, days and methods might differ in different religions and castes but essence remains the same. Family members, relatives and neighbours visit the family and give their blessings to the baby. The ceremony also acts as a get-together function for the family members.
If we talk about Hindu religion, certain rituals and procedures are followed in the baby naming ceremony. The belief says that, everything in the ceremony should be done according to the rituals so that baby can lead a happy and fulfilled life. The baby naming ceremony in Hinduism is also known as ‘Naamkaran’. Different sub-castes have different traditions. At some places, the ceremony is held after 40 days whereas few other regions celebrate the function on twelfth days. In certain parts of eastern India, the rituals are performed during the fifth or sixth day of the birth of the newborn baby. It is known as ‘Panchvi’ or ‘Chhathi’.
Hindus follow certain rituals like consulting a Pandit or astrologer who takes into consideration the birth date and time and then decides the timing of baby naming ceremony. Other important things like baby’s Kundali, positions of stars and planets etc play a major role in naming the baby.
Jewish baby naming ceremonies are usually conducted at home or the synagogue. Most Jewish families prefer to name the child after a saint or prophet. The ceremony also includes great meal inviting all the important members. Most of the Jewish names have Hebrew meanings. In Christianity, christening ceremony is held in which holy water is sprinkled and child is bathed. It is a very important custom in Catholicism.
Talking about Islam, usually baby naming ceremony is held on the seventh day of the birth of the baby. The ceremony is conducted with great fanfare and names are influenced from Quraan. As we can see, baby naming ceremony is much celebrated occasion in almost all the religions and the prime objective of these ceremonies is to make the future life of newborn baby prosperous.