Page 2 - Oct-Dec 2019

Dastar Bandhi
For young Sikh boys, a
Childhood ChaPTErS ceremony called Dastar
Bandhi is organised for
Childhood is an important phase of life. Every community celebrates this tying their turban. It is
period, by having special ceremonies that mark important milestones of done in the presence of
a child’s life. These events can be the first haircut, religious initiation, first the Guru Granth Sahib.
feeding, commencement of education etc.
Illustration by: Harmeet Singh, VII B,
CHILDHOOD SAMSKARAS Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun
In Hinduism, each phase of life has different tasks and For the transition between these periods, important
responsibilities associated with them. The life of a human ceremonies take place. These are called ‘samskaras’.
is divided into phases. Below are 4 phases that are part of There are 40 samskaras mentioned in the Gautama
childhood – Dharmashastra, 12 to 18 in the Grihya sutras, and 13 in the
Manusmriti. The accepted number is 16. Here are some
1. Garbha – Foetal period important samskaras for ages 0-5 –
2. Ksheerda – 0 to 6 months
3. Ksheerannada – 6 months to 2 years ANNAPRASANA
4. Bala – 2 to 5 years (First feeding)

After six months, the developing
NAMAKARANA (Name giving) child starts eating solid food. Prayers

In this ceremony, a name is given to are done to ensure the gratification
the baby which is supposed to be easy of all the senses of the child.
to pronounce, and indicate the gender
and the child’s personality. Illustration by: Tanu Singh, IX A, Suditi Global
Academy, Vicharpur, Etawah
JATAKARMA NISKARMANA (First outing)

(Birth ceremony) With the movement of the limbs
and increased curiosity, the child is
Close to delivery, the mother introduced to the outer world. For the
enters the sutika-graha. This safety of the child, rites are performed.
room is purified to protect
the mother and ensure the
well being of the child. Illustration by: Sneha Singh, IX A, Scholars Home VIDyARAMBH OR UPAyANA
Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun (Education)
ishwin Kumar, Viii g, asN sr. sec. school, Mayur Vihar-i, Delhi; l.sai Joshit, Vi b, On the fifth year of the child, the family
K. Venkata Durga bhavani, iX a, sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, Pendurthi, goddesses are worshipped and formal
Vishakhapatnam
education commences.

LIFE’S VALUES ACTIVITY: MY STORY LIFE’S STAGES

According to Islam, there are As a baby, you would have been a
three stages of life, each divided part of some childhood ceremonies. The Bible says that there
into seven years, ranging Talk to your grandparents or parents are seven stages to a
from birth to 21 years. In the and recount your experience. Share human’s life. The first is
Hadith, these have been it with your friends. infancy. This child is naive
described. For the first Granny, and adorable. The infant is
granny,
seven years, the child’s life is tell my story! born with a pure heart. The
about play and parents have an Illustration by:
important role. Even before birth, Alisha Hussain, VI baby is seen as a human
A, Scholars Home
according to the Hadith, parents Sr. Sec. School, miracle.
must get prepared to take care of Dehradun Keith rocha, Viii a, Vidya Vikas
the baby. academy, Margao, goa

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