by Sunita Shah
According to Hindu traditions, the Namkaran ceremony is usually performed within a few weeks of the baby's birth. The eleventh or twelfth day after birth is considered the most favourable day for the ceremony. The first initial of the child’s name, which is considered to be auspicious is determine by reading the astrological signs at the time of birth. In the past, most names were either names of gods and goddesses or reflected important qualities, e.g. Shanti-meaning 'peace'. While many Hindus continue this tradition today, it is also becoming more popular in both the UK and urban India to invent a name or to use Western names.
