Harsatti

Harsatti is a traditional Hindu ritual observed in some communities, particularly in Gujarat, India. It is a ceremony that typically takes place on the third day after a child's birth and is performed to celebrate the arrival of the newborn and to invoke blessings for its well-being. The core of the harsatti ceremony involves the mother and child being bathed and dressed in new clothes. The mother is often seated on a raised platform or a decorated swing, and relatives and friends gather to offer gifts and good wishes.

A significant aspect of harsatti is the ritual of "havan" or fire ceremony, where prayers are offered to deities for the prosperity and health of the child and the family. Specific mantras are chanted, and offerings are made to the sacred fire. The ceremony also includes musical performances and feasting, marking it as a joyous occasion. The exact customs and rituals associated with harsatti can vary slightly from one family or community to another, reflecting regional traditions and individual preferences. It is a deeply personal and community-oriented event, symbolizing the integration of the new life into the family and society.