REVO’S CORNER by Kuhanesh Mahendra

Tonsuring or mundan is an important ceremony in Hindu communities. The mundan ceremony performed by Hindus is done on the 30^th or 31^st day from the infant’s birth depending on their respective customs. This hair shaving ceremony is also done by Muslims and Chinese.

The first haircut is an important ritual and it is believed that shaving the hair rids the child of his past life's negativity. Some believe that a mundan bestows a long life, a better future and also protects the child from the evil eye. In some communities, the hair on a newborn’s head is considered impure and it is believed that only a mundan can cleanse the child’s body and soul.

Scientifically, a mundan helps release excess body heat and keeps the baby's head cool. Some also believe that a mundan helps relieve headache and pains associated with teething. It is also a common belief that shaving off the hair stimulates cells and improves blood circulation, which may help in the growth of better and thicker hair.

The mundan ceremony is considered a purification ritual and is done on a specific day at an auspicious time that is decided by the priest based on the time of the birth. A homam is performed by a priest to pray for the well- being of the child and to purity the house in which the mother and child have been staying while in post-delivery quarantine or thudakku.

The baby is held by the maternal uncle or thai maman and the priest shaves of a small portion of the baby’s hair. Then, a barber who specializes in mundan ceremonies shaves off the rest of the hair. In some families, the father performs the initial ceremony instead of the priest. The shaven head is washed with holy water and a paste of turmeric and sandalwood is applied. It is believed that this mixture cools the head and helps nicks and cuts to heal faster. The shaved off hair is either offered to a deity or to a sacred river like the Ganga. The priest offers specific instructions on how the hair should be disposed. In some cultures, a tuft of hair is left on the head and is said that it protects the brain.

Every family has its own traditions for performing the mundan ceremony. Some perform it at home inviting the priest and relatives to bless the child. Others may ask the barber to come home after their priest gives them an auspicious day and time. Nowadays, many choose to take their children to a salon where special mundan haircuts may be offered. Some families may even have a family tradition where they take their child to a holy place, a temple or to the banks of a holy river like the Ganga, for the first haircut.

The head shaving ceremony is often associated with the baby naming ceremony. After the head shaving, the father whisper’s the baby’s name three times into his right ear. This is followed by the mother and other elders who will also whisper the baby’s name into his ear.