Introduction
The texts call mundan chūḍākarma or chaula. A child's birth hair is shaved for the first time. For the family it is a big, happy day: grandmothers, aunts and uncles all gather.
First of all: your family's kul tradition comes first. Which year, which temple, who holds the child, where the hair is offered: all of this follows your home's custom. In many families both sons and daughters have a mundan.
Which year
The Manusmṛti (2.35) gives the first or third year for chūḍākarma. Many families, by their own kul custom, also hold it in the fifth year. All of these are fine; follow what your family has always done.
If the child is unwell at the time, or the weather is harsh, don't rush. Another good time always comes.
Why uttarayana
The Muhūrta-cintāmaṇi (Saṁskāra-prakaraṇa, verse 29) prefers uttarāyaṇa for mundan. Uttarayana is the Sun's northward course, from Makara sankranti to Karka sankranti, roughly mid-January to mid-July.
In practice, much of this season in North India is comfortable for a mundan. Still, avoid the midday hours on very hot days, and keep direct sun off the bare head.
When choosing the day, the pandit also matches the tithi, weekday and nakshatra from the panchang; the Riktā tithis and Bhadra are usually left aside.
The kul-devi temple
In North India many families hold the mundan at the temple of their kul-devi or kul-devta. In many places the hair is offered at the temple or in a sacred river. Some families travel to a particular tirtha to fulfil a vow.
If there is travel, keep the child's comfort first: water, milk, spare clothes and rest. Crowded days are tiring for a small child.
The rite begins by remembering Ganesha: ॐ गं गणपतये नमः.
Hygiene and the child's comfort
- A new, clean razor or blade for each child. The barber should wash hands and work on a clean cloth.
- The child should be fed and calm. Hold the child firmly in a lap so a sudden movement doesn't cause a nick.
- Give a toy to hold, to keep the child's attention.
- If there is a small nick, wash it with clean water and use what the doctor advises.
- Many families apply turmeric or sandalwood paste afterwards (folk belief, लोक मान्यता). If the skin is sensitive or there are spots on the scalp, ask the doctor first.
- After the mundan, keep the head out of harsh sun and bathe the child in lukewarm water.
सुरक्षा पहले (Safety first)
- Doctor first: for the baby's health, feeding or any discomfort, the doctor is the first help. A muhurta can always move to fit the doctor's advice.
- Nothing in the baby's mouth: don't put anything in the baby's mouth that the doctor hasn't approved. No honey at all before the first birthday; keep ghutti, coins and rings away from the mouth.
- No tight thread on the neck: never tie a black thread or cord tightly around the neck. If you wish, a loose thread on the wrist, with an adult watching.
- Sterile tools for ear-piercing: if karnavedh is done, only sterile tools and trained hands.
- No gems on babies: no gems, stones or heavy jewellery on small children.