What are some Hindu rituals?
Birth Birth is a special event, whereby the astrologer is immediately summoned and commissioned to chart the child’s horoscope. After 11 days, the priest and astrologer are part of those invited for the official child naming ceremony. After 30 days, there is a bigger event, involving family members and friends, to put the child in the cradle. At the end of 1 year, the child’s head is shaved and prayers offered at a temple, usually for Lord Muruga. Weddings For weddings there are also elaborate rites, starting from the matching of the bride’s and groom’s horoscopes by astrologers. Once, there is a match, an auspicious date for the wedding is fixed that is in harmony with the stars of the couple. The wedding may last as long as three days, with numerous rituals conducted by the priest and community elders. On the wedding day proper, the bride and groom take seven steps (sapthapathi) around the sacred fire (agnihotra) while the priest chants Sanskrit mantras from the Vedas. Finally, the g
