The Tamil-Brahmin Way….

According to Ramani Nathan, a house wife,  tamil-brahmins call the custom seemanda-kalyanam. This function is held during the sixth or eighth month of your pregnancy. This grand function is organised by the in-laws.

In seemandam a special herb juice is extracted and the juice is sprayed inside your nose. It is believed that the juice, which is good for your baby, will reach her through your nose. Also, it is believed that the mantras that are being chanted are good for your baby.

Also Read: Can My Baby Hear Me In the Womb?

A ceremony called valakaapu is conducted along with the seemandam. Vala means bangles and kaapu means security. During this ceremony, your mother will get a wide range of colourful glass bangles for you.

The ladies present for the ceremony will make you wear the bangles, which are believed to keep you safe till your delivery.

Just remember, one hand is supposed to have even number of bangles while the other hand should have an odd count. After you wear the bangles, the rest are distributed to all the women present in the function.

In both these ceremonies, there should be a compulsory three varieties of sweets and two varieties of salty preparations.

Usually, you can expect gifts are in the form of money because this is considered as a blessing for both you and your baby. However, you will not receive any gifts for your unborn baby.

Let's Go the Mallu Way…

Malayalees  have a small ceremony. Your parents and the relatives will come to your house during your seventh month to bring you back to your maternal home. When your parents come over, they are supposed to bring traditional sweets for your in-laws.

Your in-laws will serve them a meal and offer them sweets as well. "It is not mandatory to give any gifts," says Sujita Nair, a PR Executive.