About Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony)
What is Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony)?
Namakaranam is the naming ceremony of a newborn — usually on the 11th, 12th or 21st day — in which the father whispers the chosen name in the baby’s right ear after Punyahavachanam and prayers for a long, healthy life.
It is one of the sixteen samskaras. The name is often chosen from the first letter of the baby’s birth nakshatra pada, and the family deity’s name is whispered along with it. Telugu families call it Barasala, and in many homes the baby is placed in a cradle (uyyala) for the first time on this day.
Benefits
- Blessings for the child’s health, long life and good fortune
- Purification of the home after birth (Punyahavachanam)
- A family celebration that formally welcomes the baby
When to perform
- 11th, 12th or 21st day after birth, or on a muhurtham
- Avoiding Amavasya, Rikta tithis and eclipses
How Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) is performed
- Ganapati pooja and sankalpam
- Punyahavachanam to end the birth impurity
- Navagraha pooja for the baby
- Writing the name on rice in a plate
- Whispering the name in the baby’s right ear
- Cradle ceremony (where followed), harathi and blessings
Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) samagri list
- Kalasham with mango leaves and coconut
- Plate of raw rice (to write the name)
- Turmeric, kumkum and akshinthalu
- New clothes for the baby
- Honey and a gold ring
- Fruits, flowers and sweets
- Betel leaves and nuts
Do’s and don’ts
✅ Do
- Decide the name (and the nakshatra letter) before the day
- Keep the baby fed and rested
❌ Avoid
- Avoid loud music and smoke near the baby
Namakaranam near you
Read the full guide to Namakaranam — meaning, vidhi, samagri, best time and cost — or see local details for your city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) cost?
Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) with a verified Stuti Mandir pandit starts from ₹3,100 as pandit dakshina, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The price can be a little higher outside the metro cities, live video pujas cost less than a home visit, and the full bill is shown before you pay.
On which day is Namakaranam done?
Traditionally on the 11th or 12th day after birth (21st in some families), or on a muhurtham the pandit fixes from the panchangam.
Can the pandit suggest a name by nakshatra?
Yes. Share the baby’s date, time and place of birth and the pandit tells you the nakshatra letters.