| Description |
In the Lhotsam (Southern Bhutanese) community, baby shower is an event observed on the eleventh day after the birth of a baby, which is generally understood as the naming of the new born baby. In fact, the act of performing “Nauran” relates to Hindu Holy Scriptures and it is done as a cultural and religious mandate. It is performed by all casts like the Rai, Gurung, Ghalley, Chhetri or Brahmins in Hindu religion following the same process on the eleventh day which is regarded auspicious.
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| Social and cultural significance |
‘Nauran’ is also significant to the relatives and community that the house is cleansed. And they can visit the house and meet the mother and the baby. It also means that the mother is allowed to participate in any household works which is forbidden for the mother during eleven days after she gives birth. The event also brings families and relatives together,
as the relatives lend helping hand to the family of the new born. They also provide financial support to the parents of the new born, which brings understanding and ties among the families in the community. The ceremony also signifies the acceptance of the new born by the family deity and they are recognized by the cast rather than the individual existence as per Hindu religion.
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| Transmission method |
On the day of the rites, the mother takes bath and bathes the baby. The house is cleaned and prepared for the ceremony by the family members with the help of relatives and neighbors. They prepare delicacies and cake, but food and drinks are offered only after the Brahmin performs ritual and cleanses baby and the house. A Brahman performs the rites by reading the holy book and invokes family deities and gods. The Brahmin also names the child referring to the Hindu calendar and almanac. An offering is made to the family deities and gods which signify that the baby, the mother and the house are cleansed. After the ceremony, the neighbors and relatives can mingle and celebrate the event, which otherwise is prohibited up to the eleventh day before the ceremony.
Preparation for the ceremony is done mostly to invite relatives. Even though relatives help in the preparation for the ritual, most of the neighbors and relatives on the day of the ritual, household members clean the house and prepare variety of food items. The mother takes bath and gives bath to the baby. It is a day all the relatives look forward to meet with the family of the new born baby. After the rites, the invited relatives visit the home of the baby with present and gifts. The gathering offers prayers and sing devotional songs wishing the new born a happy and healthy life. The relatives are provided food and drinks by the host. The relatives stay up to late night enjoying and merry making.
The cleansing ritual is performed in the same manner inviting a Brahmin for the ritual, even if the mother or the child dies during the time of delivery or before the eleventh day of the ritual. Neighbors gather to help the bereaved family as the last rites of the dead and cleansing ceremony needs to be performed. Relatives and friends gather to support and for the condolence.
Although performing of ritual on the eleventh day has been in the same age-old tradition, celebration of baby shower is performed in a different way. People believe the change may be due to the changing life style and mind set of the people. In the past, baby shower used to be during the day after the religious rites, which used to be a short event. They used to visit the home of the new born baby with present, and the program ended after the guests were served food and drinks. But presently, people prefer celebrating in a grander manner in the evening. Guests and family members sing devotional songs praying for the wellbeing of the new born. The program goes up to late in the evening with food and drinks and enjoyment.
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| Community |
‘Nauran’ is also significant to the relatives and community that the house is cleansed. And they can visit the house and meet the mother and the baby. It also means that the mother is allowed to participate in any household works which is forbidden for the mother during eleven days after she gives birth. The event also brings families and relatives together,
as the relatives lend helping hand to the family of the new born. They also provide financial support to the parents of the new born, which brings understanding and ties among the families in the community. The ceremony also signifies the acceptance of the new born by the family deity and they are recognized by the cast rather than the individual existence as per Hindu religion.
Data collected by: Mr. T. B. Chhetri, Teacher, Choekorling Middle Secondary School, Sarpang |
