Jai Maharashtra…

"Among Maharashtrians, we have a ceremony called Otibarna. This ceremony takes place during the seventh month of pregnancy," says Sandhya Mande, a housewife. In this ceremony, a garland is put around your neck and you are decked with flowers.

Then you will be made to sit and five varieties of fruits including coconuts will be kept on your lap. You can be presented with anything from money to sarees, but even among Maharashtrians, there will be no gifts for the unborn baby.

Go the Sindhi Way…

Pooja Gursingh, a teacher says, "Sindhis perform the ceremony in the seventh or the ninth month of pregnancy. We call it the Bhairana." During the Bhairana, a mound of dough and sweet rice is prepared. Sweet Rice is prepared as a prasad.

You will be taken to a beach or a river and asked to rub the dough mound on your stomach.

After that, you will have to throw some of sweet rice, little bit of raw rice and sugar in the water as an offering to God. However, forget about getting any gifts because Sindhis do not practice any gift giving.

G-u-j-j-u

"Gujrathis call the baby shower ceremony Godhbharai. This ceremony is held during the seventh month of pregnancy," says Reena Vipul Yadav, a housewife.

During the ceremony, you will be expected to dress like a bride, in your finest jewellery. After your lap is filled with coconut and rice, you are supposed to empty your lap. However, before you can move, you have to keep a coin on each leg and slowly take a step forward.

Try not to drop the coins. Then, your brother-in-law will dip his hand in kumkum and slowly pat your cheek. Your mother should then give him a shirt and trousers as a gift. Usually, you can expect to get a green blouse piece or a green coloured saree as gifts. No other type of gifts is given.

Oriya Style...

Asangla Patra, a homemaker, reveals that Oriyas do not have a proper ceremony. However, all your closest relatives will take turns to invite you over for food. You will be then presented with sarees and other goodies. Don't expect any gifts for your unborn child.