The Bornhan tradition is a special ceremony for babies and children up to five years old. It takes place between Makar Sankranti and Rathsaptami. This year, it started on January 14 and will go on until February 4. Bornahan is a cultural and traditional event for young children. It celebrates how a baby adapts to the world and the changing seasons after being born. The ceremony includes activities that are good for the child’s health and things they enjoy. Since newborns can’t fully take part in these experiences, Bornahan is celebrated for kids up to five years old. This helps them create memories and connect with their culture, traditions, and nature.
What is Bornhan and its significance?
Bornhan is a special baby bathing ceremony that uses safe and natural items to welcome the child into the world. During the ritual, babies are showered with things like puffed rice, roasted jowar, tamarind, small berries, groundnut pods, and carrot pieces. Colorful treats like candies, chocolates, and biscuits are also used. These items are chosen to help the baby experience different textures, tastes, and natural elements in a fun and gentle way.
The purpose of Bornhan goes beyond the physical act of bathing; it’s a special experience for the baby that involves their senses and culture. By using natural items, the ceremony helps the baby feel connected to the world around them. Other kids are often invited to join, picking up treats and enjoying the fun together. This shared celebration helps build strong relationships and creates happy memories that everyone will remember for a long time.
During the Bornahan ceremony, the child wears special traditional clothes. Boys wear black kurtas or shirts, and girls wear black dresses or ghagra-choli made from traditional khana fabric. Black is chosen because it absorbs heat, which helps keep the body warm in winter. Along with the black clothes, children are decorated with jewelry made from sugar-coated sesame seeds (halwa). Boys wear flutes, crowns, and necklaces, while girls wear necklaces, anklets, bangles, and armlets. These decorations make the children look even more adorable.The Bornahan ceremony is a delightful event filled with joy and excitement. Mothers and families who bring their children to the celebration are given haldi-kumkum (turmeric and vermillion) as a sign of respect and joy. Guests are offered tilgul (sweets made of sesame and jaggery) as part of the festive welcome. The event becomes even more lively with stories, songs, dances, and friendly chats, turning a small gathering into a lively celebration. These memories are treasured forever, just like we treasure childhood photos of our first Makar Sankranti. Bornahan is not just a simple ritual—it’s a way of sharing traditions and memories with the next generation. Even if the size of the celebration changes, the main idea is to create a joyful atmosphere at home. The ritual focuses on simplicity and encourages families to celebrate in a way that suits them, ensuring moments of happiness and togetherness.The BorNahan ceremony, which combines tradition, fun, and cultural importance, remains a beloved event. It brings happiness and tradition into family life, making it a special part of their culture.