Keshanta (godana) (केशान्त)

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

What it is

The first shave of the beard of a young man, marking his coming of age. It is rarely performed as a separate rite today.

What is usually done

A shave, a bath and a blessing.

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

• Samavartana (समावर्तन)
• Vedarambha (वेदारम्भ)

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.