HINDU RITES OF PASSAGE

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There are sixteen principle rites of passage which are called ‘Samskaras’ (purificatory rites). They are as follows:

1. Garbhadhana (Conception)

2. Pumsavana (Engendering a male issue)

3. Simantonayana (Parting the hair)

4. Jata Karma (Natal rites)

5. Namakarana (Naming)

6. Niskramana (First outing)

7. Anaprasa (First grains)

8. Chudakarrana (Tonsure)

9. Karna-Vedha (Piercing the ear lobes)

10. Vidyarambha or Akshararamba (Learning the alphabet)

11. Upanayana (Sacred thread ceremony)

12. Vedarambha (Commencing study of the Vedas)

13. Keshanta (Cutting the hair)

14. Samavartana (Graduating)

15. Vivaha (Marriage)

16. Antyesti (Cremation rite)