Baby shower/Godh Bharai is one among the grand functions in India post festival like wedding celebration. A significant women only festival of Godh bharai celebrated in every nook and corner of the country in varied forms.
Based on the region it is named as follows, Baby Shower in western countries, Godh Bharai in North Indian Hindus, Valakaappu as called by Tamil Hindus and Seemandham as known among South Indian Hindus and Seemantha in Karnataka, Dohal Jeevan in Maharashtra and Bayake in Tulunadu-coastal area.
The tradition of baby shower is generally celebrated on the seventh month of pregnancy in the first child. It can also be called as a tradition of celebrating the motherhood. As a part of ceremony, the soon to be mother is made to sit in front of fruits, sweets and varied food items. As the name states godh bharai, which means filling of lap the women is filled with gifts on her lap.
In spite of the tradition highlighting the joy of motherhood and child birth, there are certain aspects acting as push factors towards financial burden. For most of Indian families, the baby shower celebration has turned out to be must. It is also made sure that the gifts to soon to be mother be given in the form of gold. The tradition which began as a ceremony to give blessings now is turning out to be an unavoidable costly festival.
And so people should make sure that no tradition or cultural practice be done to showcase our financial capability to the public nor it should be a ceremony done as a part of tradition which every one does and so I am not exceptional. Like a Kannada quote that states, ಹಾಸಿಗೆ ಇದ್ದಷ್ಟು ಕಾಲು ಚಾಚು (strech your leg based on the length of your carpet), do not fall into the self-dug pit. Understand your status and find peace with it.
Thus, let us have a sustainable and burden free practices which are free from social compulsions.