Mundan

Mundan or Chudakarana is the ritual shaving of a child’s first hair, typically performed in the first or third year. It is believed that the hair from the womb carries negative energies from past births, and shaving it purifies the child and promotes healthy hair growth. It is usually performed at a temple, holy river, or sacred place.

The ceremony starts with a Ganapati pooja, followed by chanting of Vedic mantras while the child’s head is shaved. Turmeric, sandal paste, and holy water are applied to the scalp to soothe and protect it. Relatives and guests bless the child and offer gifts.

Mundan signifies spiritual cleansing, transition, and initiation into worldly life. It marks a release from past karmas and prepares the child for future sanskaras. The ritual also invokes protection, mental clarity, and longevity for the child.