Mundan Ceremony

Mundan (Chudakarana) — the first haircut ceremony — is one of the sixteen Samskaras (rites of passage) in Hindu tradition. Typically performed when a child is between one and three years old, it marks the shedding of hair from a past life and the beginning of a fresh start. The ceremony is deeply Panchang-dependent. The most auspicious Nakshatras for Mundan include Ashwini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, and Shravana. These Nakshatras are associated with purity, new beginnings, and divine protection for the child. Shukla Paksha is essential for Mundan — the growing moon symbolizes the growing child. Favorable tithis include Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, and Trayodashi. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are the preferred weekdays. Many families perform the Mundan at a temple, with the first cut made by the family priest during the Abhijit Muhurat. The shaved hair is often offered to a deity or immersed in a sacred river.