Nishkraman: the baby's first outing

Introduction

For some weeks after birth a baby mostly stays indoors. Then comes the day the family takes the baby out for the first time: into the courtyard, onto the roof, or to a nearby temple. This little first outing has been given the form of a samskara called nishkraman, "going out".

Tradition has the baby shown the sun in the morning and the moon in the evening on this day. The feeling is that the child is now meeting the wider world, nature and the sky that God has made.

First of all: your family's kul tradition comes first. Some families do it at a temple, some by the tulsi in the courtyard, and in some it is folded into the naming or annaprashan ceremony.

When to hold it

The Muhūrta-cintāmaṇi (Saṁskāra-prakaraṇa 15) gives the time for nishkraman: in the fourth month after birth, on the tithi, weekday, nakshatra and lagna prescribed for travel. The commentary offers another option: the twelfth day after birth, at a time good for travel.

Today the fourth-month option is the more practical one. By three or four months a baby has had several important vaccinations, and the mother has largely recovered from the delivery.

The pandit reads the panchang to choose the day. Usually the Riktā tithis (4, 9, 14), Amavasya and Bhadra are left aside. But if the baby needs to see a doctor, that never waits for a muhurta.

The rite

The rite of nishkraman is simple and sweet. Families do it differently, but usually:

1. In the morning the parents bathe the baby and dress the child in clean, comfortable clothes.
2. Ganesha and the family deity are worshipped at the home shrine.
3. The father or mother carries the baby out to the courtyard or roof and prays for a few moments facing the rising sun.
4. Many families visit a nearby temple that day, or light a lamp by the tulsi plant.
5. In the evening some families show the baby the moon.

This rite is tradition (परंपरा). Its heart is simply this: the baby's first outing should happen with love, prayer and care.

Seeing the sun, with care

"Surya-darshan" does not mean letting the baby look at the sun. A small baby's eyes and skin are very delicate.

• Only mild morning sun, a little after sunrise, and only for a few minutes.
• Don't turn the baby's face straight to the sun; no direct sunlight on the eyes. The parents face the sun and pray while the baby rests comfortably in their arms.
• Avoid the strong midday sun and heat. In summer hold the rite even earlier in the morning.
• In cold weather cover the baby properly, but not so much that the child overheats.

For the moon-darshan too, don't keep the baby long in the cold night air.

Crowds, temples and health

Even a four-month-old tires quickly in a crowd, and crowds carry a risk of infection. So:

• If you go to a temple, choose a quiet time and come back soon.
• Don't let too many people hold the baby; those who do should wash their hands first.
• Anyone with a cold, cough or fever should stay away from the baby.
• The baby's vaccinations should happen when the doctor says; the rite can move around them.

सुरक्षा पहले (Safety first)

• Doctor first: for the baby's health, vaccinations or any discomfort, the doctor is the first help. The muhurta can always move to fit the doctor's advice.
• Only mild sun: a few minutes of gentle morning sun; never direct sun on the eyes, and no strong midday sun.
• 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; the prasad is for the grown-ups.
• 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.
• No gems: no gems, stones or heavy jewellery on small children.
• Lamps and smoke: keep lamps, incense and homa smoke away from the baby's face.
• In the car: if you drive to the temple, keep the baby safely held or in a baby seat.