Godh Bharai Rasam - Indian baby shower ceremony

Godh bharai/Shrimant/Shaad/Seemandham/Valakappu is an Indian Hindu ceremony. The literal meaning is to fill the lap. The expecting mom is dressed like a bride and the friends and family bless the new mom-to-be with gifts - token cash and saree or jewellery in the case of close relatives. Traditionally, no gifts are given for the baby—only the mom. Everyone puts “tikka” (vermilion) on the mom’s forehead, prays for her and the baby’s wellbeing, followed by the aarti. Everyone rejoices the pending arrival of the baby. 

During seventh month of pregnancy, the baby has reached to the safe stage. This occasion is celebrated usually at the end of 7th month or in the starting of 8th month. The main significance of Godh Bharai is to welcome a little baby in your family. During this occasion, lap of the mother is filled with various gifts and fruits. This is a symptom of joy and happiness in the life of parents.

In the different parts of the world, this occasion is celebrated in different style. But all styles signify a single thing that you are doing itto welcome the new little baby. Parents are very excited for his baby in advance. They purchase new clothes for their baby in advance. This occasion includes many special accessories like jewellery, gifts, fruits and sweets. Singing and dancing are also included in this special event.

Like other great functions, this event is also full of fun and amusement. This is a wonderful event where all family members come together and celebrate with each other. This is quite different experience for the mother where she prepares herself for the birth of a little baby. Each family member gives a humble support to the mother at this new phase of the life.

This is a great occasion for sharing special moments of pregnancy with your close friends and relatives. Support of family and friends is necessary for making this event more special and memorable for you. During this occasion, everyone gives a lot of blessing to your kid. These blessings make him successful in his future.

Sister-in-laws have an important role to play during godh bharai (or srimanth in Gujarati) - Indian "baby showers.The godh bharai is traditionally held during the 7th month of the woman's first pregnancy. "Godh Bharai" means "filling the lap." At one point, the pregnant woman's lap is filled with coconut and rice which only the woman can have (or a small child she chooses to share with). During another part of the ceremony, young children are placed in the woman's lap.

The sister-in-law ties the nada chaadi to the woman's right wrist. 

Within the cloth bag are 5 items:

·         a small piece of iron

·         sand taken from any crossroads

·         chanothi (a small red fruit of a rare tree)

·         hanumanji's mari (orange, sticky substance)

·         kodi (sea shell)

This special rakhi is tied to the wrist during the "Indian baby shower" and not removed until the woman has her final delivery pains.

What is the significance of Godh Bharai

This is a very special event for the Hindu woman. This event is celebrated with great festivity and excitement. This event is celebrated in the seventh month during the first pregnancy of the expectant lady. During this occasion, lap of the mother is filled with various items by mother and mother in law of the pregnant woman. These items include coconut marked with swastika, betel nuts, silver coins and moong. These all items are considered as good omen in the Indian tradition. Mother is blessed with happiness and joy in her future.

At Godh Bharai, mother is dressed up like a bride almost. Her dress is presented by the mother of the expectant lady. This is specially women oriented occasion. Men are not allowed in this event. All women are well dressed for the event and also sing traditional song for the mother and her baby.The ladies who participate in event from the side of mother of expectant lady have to represent five rounded plates to the expectant mother. Three rounded plates contain three different delicious sweets. Fourth rounded plate contains beautiful outfits and ornaments.  Fifth rounded plate contains coconut, betel nuts and silver coins.

The ceremony begins with traditional clothes and music. Number of women participates in the music and Godh Bharai occasion. Festive atmosphere is created all around the house. As she enters into the house, a silk cloth with betel nut and one rupee coin is placed under her feet. This action is continued till she does not reach to the worship place. The decided place is always in the main hall facing east direction only. All the items placed under her feet are picked by the sister of expectant mother or sister of husband according to old Indian tradition.

As we all know India is a traditional and cultural place where every festival is celebrated with great fun religiously. In India every festival starts with the puja of Lord Ganesha. Every religious festival demands the same procedure. No religious task is accepted without the puja of Lord Ganesha. The expectant lady is made to sit on a baajotth and small red dot is put on the forehead of expectant lady. This is a very special event for mother and father both. This red dot signifies the good luck for the mother. After this action her lap is filled with various ornaments, fruits and sweets by her mother and mother in law.

After this action, a yellow thread is put on the wrist of expectant lady by her sister in law. She also offers a cup of sweet curd for the expectant mother. This yellow thread is significant for the protection of expectant lady and her baby. This thread protects the baby from all evil spirits and blesses her with a lot of happiness and joys. Traditional and melodious songs are sung by the ladies in the background. These songs are a symbol of Indian tradition. The main purpose of all these actions is to protect the mother and baby from every bad action.