The traditional Hindu naming ceremony for a newborn, welcoming the child into the family with Vedic prayers and blessings from elders.
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Lord Ganesha and the family deity
Mundan Sanskar
The traditional first haircut ceremony for a child, performed with Vedic prayers, at home or on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.
In-person1 to 2 hoursAlso: ChudakaranaAlso: Chaula Sanskar
Overview
What is Mundan Sanskar?
Mundan Sanskar, also known as Chudakarana, is the ceremony of a child’s first haircut. One of the sixteen Hindu sanskars, it is traditionally performed in the early years of childhood, and in many families it is an important occasion shared with grandparents and relatives.
Many families travel to Varanasi to hold Mundan near the Ganga or at a temple associated with their family tradition, while others prefer the comfort of home. The Pandit conducts the puja and mantras, and a barber performs the haircut, after which the hair is offered as per family custom.
Our Pandits keep the ceremony calm and child-friendly, and can guide you on where and how Mundan is traditionally done in Varanasi, following your family’s specific practices.
माङ्गल्यं तन्तुनानेन मम जीवनहेतुना।
कण्ठे बध्नामि सुभगे त्वं जीव शरदां शतम्॥
Māṅgalyaṁ tantunānena mama jīvanahetunā, kaṇṭhe badhnāmi subhage tvaṁ jīva śaradāṁ śatam.
Significance
In Hindu tradition, Mundan is associated with purification and a fresh beginning for the child. The first haircut is traditionally seen as leaving behind what came before birth and welcoming a new stage of growth.
For many families, the location and timing of Mundan are part of an inherited custom, at a kuldevta temple, a holy river or a particular tirtha. Performing it in Kashi, by the Ganga, is considered especially meaningful by many families.
Who performs it
- Parents of young children following the tradition of Chudakarana
- Families whose custom is to perform Mundan in Varanasi or near the Ganga
- Families who wish to hold Mundan at home with a Pandit
- Families fulfilling a vow (mannat) related to the child’s Mundan
When to perform
- Traditionally in the first, third or fifth year of the child’s life (odd years), as per custom
- On an auspicious muhurat suggested by the Pandit
- Often during Uttarayan months or festival periods, depending on the family
- Many families avoid certain months such as Kharmas, following their tradition
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek blessings for the child’s health and growth
- Is believed to mark purification and a fresh beginning
- Families perform it to honour an inherited family custom
- Brings the family together for a meaningful milestone
- Performing it by the Ganga is considered auspicious by many families
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Muhurat and Planning
The Pandit suggests an auspicious date and time and helps plan whether the ceremony will be at home, a temple or near the ghats.
- 2
Ganesh Puja and Sankalp
The ceremony begins with Lord Ganesha’s worship and a sankalp with the child’s and parents’ names and gotra.
- 3
Kalash and Kuldevta Puja
A kalash is established and prayers are offered to the family deity.
- 4
Mundan
While mantras are recited, the barber gently shaves the child’s head, usually with the child seated on a parent’s lap.
- 5
Offering the Hair
The hair is offered as per family custom, often in the Ganga or at a temple.
- 6
Snan and Tilak
The child is bathed, sandalwood paste or haldi may be applied, and a tilak is given.
- 7
Blessings and Aarti
Elders bless the child, and the Pandit concludes with aarti and prasad.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Kalash, mango leaves and coconut
- Roli, haldi, chandan and kumkum
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers and a garland
- Paan leaves, supari and cloves
- Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Clean cloth or a small bowl to collect the hair
- Sandalwood paste or haldi for the child’s head
- New clothes for the child
- Towel and water for bathing
- Fruits and sweets for prasad
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit for the ceremony
- Sankalp with the child’s and parents’ names and gotra
- Guidance before the day on muhurat and preparation
- Vidhi as per the family’s tradition
- Guidance on where Mundan is traditionally performed in Varanasi
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Not included
- Barber’s fee (can be arranged on request)
- Travel and stay for families visiting Varanasi
- Boat hire, if the family wishes to go on the Ganga
- Catering or venue arrangements
Duration: 1 to 2 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Available in
Mundan Sanskar across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Chudakarana
- Sanskrit
- Mundan
- Hindi
- Puttu Ventrukalu
- Telugu
- Mudi Irakkuthal
- Tamil
- Chaula
- Marathi
- First Haircut Ceremony
- English
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Mundan Sanskar FAQs
At what age should Mundan be done?
Many families perform it in the child’s first, third or fifth year, though customs differ. The Pandit can suggest a suitable muhurat based on your family’s tradition.
Can Mundan be done at the ghats in Varanasi?
Yes, many families perform Mundan near the Ganga. The Pandit will guide you on suitable places and timing, keeping the child’s comfort in mind.
Is Mundan done for girls as well?
Practices vary. Some communities perform Mundan for both boys and girls, while others perform only a symbolic trimming for girls. The Pandit follows your family’s custom.
How much does Mundan Sanskar cost?
It depends on the vidhi, location (home, temple or ghat), barber arrangements, samagri and any boat hire. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
What should we bring when travelling to Varanasi for Mundan?
Comfortable clothes and a change of clothes for the child, a towel, and any family-specific items. Other samagri can be arranged locally on request.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Mundan Sanskar
The holy thread ceremony marking the start of a child’s formal spiritual learning, with Gayatri Mantra initiation, performed as per family tradition.
Details Book nowWorship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
Details Book nowA beloved household puja to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan, with the five-chapter Satyanarayan Katha, commonly held on Purnima or after a happy milestone.
Details Book now
शुभं भवतु
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