Naamkaran

Naamkaran (naming ceremony) is the Samskara in which a newborn child receives their formal name. Traditionally performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth, or sometimes delayed to an auspicious day determined by the Panchang, this ceremony establishes the child's identity and is believed to shape their destiny. The Nakshatra of the child's birth plays a role in name selection — each Nakshatra has associated syllables that the name ideally begins with. Beyond birth Nakshatra, the Nakshatras favorable for the naming ceremony itself include Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Shravana, and Revati. Shukla Paksha is strongly preferred. The ceremony typically involves the father whispering the chosen name into the child's right ear, followed by the priest announcing it to the gathered family. Performing this during Abhijit Muhurat adds auspiciousness. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are the recommended weekdays. The event is usually intimate, held at home with close family and the family priest.