
Some mums also apply a paste of turmeric mixed with sandalwood, which is believed to have antiseptic properties. Apply some antiseptic cream to heal any cuts on your baby's head.In some families, there is a tradition of using curd for washing the head just after the mundan. Use tap water or lukewarm water, depending on the season and weather conditions. Make sure you wash off any hair trapped between the folds of the skin. Give your baby a bath right after the shaving ceremony.It is best to buy a new pair of scissors and a razor for the mundan. If you are planning the first hair cut at home, wash the tools and sterilise them properly.
Ensure that the barber's equipment and tools are sterilised, especially if you are taking your baby to a temple, or a salon. During the ceremony, try to keep your baby occupied with a toy or book or his favourite video when his hair is getting shaved. It may be difficult to handle a baby who is cranky, hungry and upset. Tips for a safe mundanEnsure that your baby is well rested and has had a snack or meal before the mundan. Others may go to the banks of a holy river like the Ganga. Some families take their child to a holy place such as a temple, for the first haircut. Many salons offer special mundan haircuts. These days, many choose to take their children to a salon or beauty parlour. Others may ask the barber to come home after their priest gives them an auspicious time. Some perform it at home inviting the priest and relatives to bless the child. Where can I perform the mundan ceremony for my baby?Every family has its own traditions for performing the mundan. It is said that shikha protects the brain. In some cultures, a tuft of hair is left on the head (also known as shikha, choti, or bodi).
Your priest may offer another way to dispose of the hair. The shaved hair is either offered to a deity or to a sacred river like the Ganga.
It is believed that this mixture cools the head and speeds up the healing of any nicks and cuts. Then a paste of turmeric and sandalwood is applied. The shaven head is washed with holy water from the Ganga ( Gangajal). In some families, the father performs the initial rite instead of the priest. After that, the barber shaves off the rest of the hair. The priest shaves off a part of the child's hair while chanting sacred hymns. The mother sits with the child in her lap and faces the west of the sacred fire. The day and time is decided by a priest based on the time of the birth.Ī havan or homam is performed by a priest. How is the mundan performed?The mundan is performed on a specific date at an auspicious time.
helps relieve headache and pains caused by teething. helps to keep the baby's head cool, especially in hot summer months. rids the baby of his past life's negativity. Why is a mundan performed?In most communities a mundan or first haircut is done in the belief that it purifies the child. However, in most families girls have a mundan too. In some regions, the mundan is done only for the male child. This is done by putting curd in the hair of the newborn baby boy.Īmong Hindus, the mundan is performed during the first or third year of a child's life. Muslims too shave or trim the baby's hair and some Sikhs perform the kesi dahi ceremony.
Mundan is shaving off baby's first hair or the birth hair. It is also known as chaula or choodakarana. Slideshow 10 tips for a happy baby 10 things your baby needs to thrive.Ī mundan or tonsuring is an important ceremony for Hindus.