Jatakarma (जातकर्म)

This is the fourth of the sixteen samskaras, the life-cycle ceremonies of Hindu tradition. It is performed at birth.

What it is

The welcome of the newborn, traditionally performed before the cord is cut. It is described as the father touching the baby's lips with honey and ghee and whispering a blessing into its ear. Today the rite is usually reduced to a blessing and the first sweet.

What is usually done

Honey and ghee on the lips, a blessing by the father, a thanksgiving prayer.

Why it matters to families

The samskaras mark the stages of a life and bring the family and community together at each of them. Families keep as many as suit their tradition and their circumstances. Many keep the ceremonies that remain popular (naming, first food, first haircut, the thread, wedding and last rites) and treat the rest as a prayer of blessing.

See the full list of sixteen.

Read next

• Namakarana (naming ceremony) (नामकरण)
• Simantonnayana (godh bharai) (सीमन्तोन्नयन)

These pages describe common practice in plain words. Customs differ by region, community and family, and your own family's tradition and a priest of your community come first. Dates of auspicious times change every year: ask a priest or use a trusted panchang. Nothing here promises any result.