Godh Bharai is an Indian term for Baby Shower. Like all families, first child is very special for Indian families. The Godh Bharai ceremony is performed mainly by women. Many rituals are performed on this occasion and blessings are given to the mother-to-be and unborn child for their good health and safety. Here is an overview on Godh Bharai, an Indian baby shower.

Baby shower is a tradition that is followed in almost every culture and in all parts of the world. Names are different yet the purpose, involvement and excitement remain the same. Indian baby shower is well known as Godh Bharai. Indians consider any addition to their family as a blessing of God and so celebrate all such occasions with great enthusiasm.

In a baby shower, family, friends and relatives are involved and invited and elders bless the would-be mother and the child that is about to arrive. The relatives and family members make all kinds of effort to keep the mom-to-be happy and stay smiling always. They receive advices, suggestions and many gifts on this occasion that helps the parents-to-be to get prepared for the arrival of the child.

Godh Bharai Tradition and Celebration

Godh Bharai is done once seven months of pregnancy gets completed. This means that the child is now in a safe and viable phase. The celebration is planned by the end of the seventh month or in the eighth month whatever is suitable and fits in the family’s tradition. The lap of the mother-to-be is filled with fruits and gifts and blessings from elders.

The tradition and the way of performing Godh Bharai may differ from one place, state or family to another but the process remains more or less the same. The expecting women takes blessings from God and then from elders and is offered various gifts and presents that are usually for the mom or the child.

Planning for baby shower not only includes just the tradition, but also the rejoicing and enjoyment that the guests and the hosts have. Different types of games are planned and played and everyone seems to be filled with joy that day. Most of the families give sweets and any special preparation made on that day according to the family’s tradition.

The expected mom wears new clothes and her hands are filled with henna designs. Many elders give useful suggestions as the mother is going to enter a new and very important phase of her life after this.

Tips to Make Godh Bharai More Enjoyable

• Take sufficient rest before the function starts because it is definitely going to be a hectic day and among the guests you might not be able to take rest.                                         

• Select the dress keeping in mind the weather because you ought to be comfortable during the entire Godh Bharai time.

• Take a look at the list of guests so that you have an idea who all is invited and if needed you can thank them personally afterwards.

• If you want to have different types of suggestions and personal experiences to cherish, you can make a book and let anyone write in that so that you can have it as memory with you always.

• If possible, hire a beautician to help you with the makeup and henna designs so that you look beautiful and attractive that day.

• Keep small tokens of appreciation ready with you so that you greet all the guests who come that day.

• Last but not the least important thing is that you will have to taste all the food items that will be cooked that day. So mind your food portions so that you are comfortable.