Rituals form an essential part of every religion. Hinduism is no exception to it. Hinduism has more rituals than any other religion. Most Hindu rituals are for personal benefits, while some are for world peace and the benefits of society and the environment. Hinduism divides life into some stages; each stage is associated with a ritual, e.g., childbirth, marriage, death, etc. Following all of them is not compulsory, but they are highly recommended.

These days, Hindus do not follow all of the rituals because of lifestyle changes. Hindu rituals have some kind of mystical science associated with them. Some people could find them outdated or useless, but they have deep meanings and help people.

Sixteen Samskaras:

1. Garbhadhana: The First Samskara is done immediately after the marriage.

2. Pumsavana: A ritual is done in the third month of pregnancy.

3. Simanatonayana: A ritual is done in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.

4. Jatakarman: A ritual is done immediately after a male child is born.

5. Namakarana: A naming ceremony is performed on the 12th day of birth.

6. Nishkramana: A ritual is done when the child is first taken out of the house.

7. Annaprashana: When the child starts to eat solid food in the sixth month.

8. Chudakarna: Cutting the child’s hair for the first time.

9. Karnavedha: Ear piercing.

10. Vidyarambha: Starting the education of a child.

11. Upanayana: Thread ceremony

12. Praishartha: Learning of Vedas and Upanishads.

13. Keshanta and Ritushuddhi: Keshanta is for boys and ritushuddhi is for girls.

14. Samavartana: Ceremony at the end of formal education.

15. Vivaha: A marriage ceremony.

16. Antyeshti or Antim Sanskar: A ritual is done at the time of cremation.

Other Rituals:

Agnihotra

Vastushanti

Satyanarayan Puja

Graha Shanti

Pranpratishtha

Vishwashanti Yagya