16 Samskaras of Santana Dharma
Santana Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, states 16 samskara to mark the important event in the life of an individual. They are: 1. Garbhadan The first coming together of the husband and wife for bringing about conception. 2. Pumsvan Ceremony performed when the first signs of conception are seen, and is to be performed when someone desires a male child. 3. Seemantonayan A ceremony of parting of the hair of the expectant mother to keep her spirits high and positive. Special music is arranged for her. 4. Jatakarma After the birth of the child, the child is given a secret name, he is given a taste of honey and ghee, mother starts the first breast- feeding after chanting of a mantra. 5. Nama-karana In this ceremony, the child is given a formal name. Performed on the 11th day. 6. Nishkramana In this, the formal darshan of the sun and the moon is done for the child. 7. Annaprashana This ceremony is performed when the child is given solid food (anna...