Why Mundan is Done

 In Hindu tradition, many ceremonies and practices are still being followed, which hails from the age-old tradition; when anyone initiates any new milestone, they start by doing a ceremony on an auspicious day. In Hinduism, there are ceremonies held to celebrate many occasions and new beginnings, such as entering a new house, new business, new vehicle, new harvest, etc. 

A baby's birth brings lots of happiness, and the baby's laughter brims the household with immense joy. And very soon celebrations begin with the baby, and then customs step up into a new beginning along with a new life. One of such traditions is the Mundan ceremony which refers to a child's first ever haircut. Mundan is an abiding ritual of Hindu Tradition for which the priest considers auspicious days. They provide the day for performing the ceremony based on nakshatras and the zodiac signs under which the baby is born.

Mundan ceremony is one of 16 purification rituals known as Shodasha Samskara in Hindu tradition. According to Hindu mythology, after experiencing 84 lakh yonis, a soul gets a human body. It is believed that every yoni in the past life has its impact on human birth. 

Hence, shaving off the hair is considered a gesture of purification from the previous yonis and freedom from the past.

Mundan has been performed for ages for several reasons, as some reasons are religious, while others are scientific.

So, the religious reason and importance of mundan relate it to the belief to rid the baby of past life negativity while promoting mental and spiritual development. After the mundan ceremony, the head of the baby is cleaned with holy water, and then the paste of turmeric and sandalwood is applied to heal the cuts caused during the process.

Some also believe that shaving off the head helps stimulate proper growth of the nerves and brain. Mundan also helps keep the baby's head cool during hot weather.

The scientific reason is that Vitamin D is absorbed faster and more quickly in the baby's body when bare skin is in sunlight without clothes and hair. Other than that, doctors even recommend keeping newborn babies in sunlight without clothes in the early morning.

Another reason for mundan being done is that the baby's hair is uneven; shaving the head helps even growth of hair later.

To perform mundan or not altogether depends totally upon individual perspectives as slowly many traditions have been dropped either because of deeper inquisition and seeing no such utility or wearing off of fashion. Moreover, if a practice has been followed for ages and related to auspiciousness for ages, there has to be some reason behind it.

Mundan ceremony: answers to questions you may have about this ceremomy

 Do you remember your mundan ceremony? Stupid question! You were probably too young to remember. However, you must have heard tales about your or your sibling's/cousin's mundan ceremony? The infamous tale of you crying inconsolably while the barber cuts your baby tresses?

It is an incredible story, and when it is your kid or your niece/nephew’s turn to get their mundan done, it is the talk of the town. In India, Hindus and Muslims both have tonsure (mundan) done to their kids. The timing and a few rituals may vary, but the reasons behind this are relatively similar.

If you are wondering why this mundan ceremony procedure happens? Here are the reasons and any other answers you were itching to know about this ceremony.

What is a mundan ceremony, and when does it happen?

A mundan ceremony is a ritual in which a barber shaves the birth hair from the baby’s head. A priest is also present during the ritual, which informs what to do and not do as the procedure commences.

In Hindus, the ceremony can happen anytime between when the child is 4 months old to 3 years old. In Muslims, it may take place when the child is between 7 to 40 days old.

 

Is it mandatory to have a mundan ceremony?

It is a traditional ceremony, but not mandatory as several people forgo having one. It is all about belief, and in recent times, people are questioning whether there is any scientific reason behind this practice or not?

 

What is the scientific reason behind having a mundan ceremony?

The scientific reason behind shaving the head of a baby is:

The newborn baby has uneven hair. When you shave it, it helps in growing better hair, which is even and healthier.

Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. A kid can quickly absorb it if they are exposed to it without clothes or covering. A bald head is better for absorption. Thus, it is okay to shave the child’s head.

The hair of a newborn baby can hide tons of viruses or infections. Cutting them can help keep the baby healthy.

 

What happens to post the head-shaving ceremony?

 

Post the mundan ceremony, the bua (Kid’s father’s sister) cleans the head with holy water. She then uses a paste made out of sandalwood and turmeric and applies it to the head. The reason behind this is to provide coolness to the head and heal any cuts that may occur during the shaving process.

 

What are the religious motives behind having a mundan?

Hindus believe that a soul takes a human birth after hardship and undergoing 84 lakh births (yonis). Also, every yoni leaves a significant influence on the soul. To free ourselves from the past and purify the soul, shaving the hair off is of utmost importance.

There are other numerous beliefs too. If your gut says, it is the right thing to do. Then do it no matter who says what.

When to do the mundan ceremony must be the question on your mind now? Isn’t it? Well, the priest usually comes with an auspicious day and time. It is best to do it when the kid is an infant because cutting a toddler’s or teen’s hair is practically impossible.

Have a happy mundan ceremony for your kid/niece/nephew! Enjoy this moment!