Namkaran: giving the baby a name
The namkaran sanskar is one of the traditional sixteen sanskars in Hindu life. It is the ceremony where the baby is formally given a name. Many families consult a priest who looks at the birth chart and suggests a starting letter, and the name is then chosen with love by the parents and grandparents. In several Gujarati families, the father's sister, the foi, has the special honour of naming the child, a custom known as foi nu naam. In North India, the chhathi on the sixth day and the namkaran around the eleventh or twelfth day are common, though many families now hold it on a convenient date within the first few months.
The ceremony is usually a small puja followed by the naming, blessings for the baby and a meal. Relatives look forward to meeting the newborn, and a nice invitation adds to the joy.
What to include
- A top line such as "Welcome, little one" or "|| Shri Ganeshaya Namah ||".
- Who is inviting: usually the baby's parents or grandparents. Since the name is not yet announced, the card often says "Baby of Pooja and Amit".
- Date, day and time of the puja and the meal.
- Venue, often the family home or a small hall.
- An optional note, such as "Name to be announced at the ceremony" or an RSVP number.
Traditional versus modern wording
Traditional
"By the grace of God, we have been blessed with a baby boy. We cordially invite you to the namkaran sanskar and request you to bless our little one." This formal style is suitable for elders and relatives.
Modern
"Our little one is ready for a name! Join us as we reveal it and celebrate together." Friends love the sense of surprise in this style.
Sample format
Welcome, little one
Naming Ceremony. Baby of Pooja and Amit Verma. Sunday, 29 November 2026, puja at 11:00 AM followed by lunch, at our home, 12 Civil Lines, Kanpur. With love from Smt. Asha and Shri Suresh Verma (grandparents).
When to send and reminders
Because the namkaran date is often fixed by the priest a short time before, invitations are usually sent about a week in advance. A reminder the evening before is helpful. After the ceremony, share a photo of the baby with the new name and a thank-you message. Relatives who could not come will be happy to know the name.
Etiquette tips
New parents and the baby need rest, so keep the gathering at a comfortable size and the timings clear. Guests should be reminded gently not to visit if they are unwell. If the family follows the custom of the foi naming the baby, make sure she is informed first and has the details early. If you want to keep the name a surprise, do not print it on the card; simply write "Name reveal at the ceremony".
Also think about the baby's routine. Late-night functions can be tiring for a newborn, so a late-morning puja with lunch is a popular choice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Revealing the name too early: if you want a surprise, do not print the name or mention it in the message.
- Too many guests: a newborn is sensitive to crowds and noise. Invite the people who matter most.
- Unclear timings: mention when the puja starts and when the meal is served.
- Forgetting the foi: where the aunt names the baby, inform her personally before anyone else.
A message to send along with the card
For relatives: "Namaste Dadi ji, the namkaran of our little one is on 29 November at 11 AM at home. Please come and bless the baby. Card attached." For friends: "The little one is ready for a name! Small puja and lunch at home on Sunday. Would love to see you." You will find more messages in the list below.
Choosing a name and the role of the rashi
Many families ask the priest for the starting letter according to the baby's rashi or nakshatra. Others choose a name purely because they love its meaning or because it honours an elder. Both ways are common today. Some families announce two names: a rashi name used in rituals and a call name used daily. If you plan to do this, you can mention it in the thank-you message after the ceremony.
Whatever you choose, the namkaran is a moment for the whole family to welcome the child. The card is simply a warm way to bring everyone together for that moment.
How to make the card on this site
- Enter "Baby of" with the parents' names, or the baby's name if you are sharing it after the ceremony.
- Add the date, time and venue.
- Enter the host names, often parents or grandparents.
- Pick a traditional or modern line, or write your own.
- Add a note such as "Name reveal at the ceremony".
- Download and share on WhatsApp.
May your little one grow up healthy, happy and blessed.