Balle Balle Punjabi

Punjabis have a godhbarai ceremony during the seventh month of pregnancy. In this ceremony, all close relatives are invited. You will have to sit on the floor for a puja. After the puja, your mother-in-law will first wrap coconuts and fruits in a red dupatta and put it in your lap.

Later the women will put their gifts on your lap. When the ceremony is about to end, a small child is left on your lap who will play on your lap for sometime.

This is considered a good sign for a healthy baby. The gifts are not just for you but also for your baby. You can carry gifts like baby clothes, quilts and other kiddie stuff for the baby while you can take along jewellery, clothes or simply money for the pregnant woman, states Sonali Kapoor, working for a media house.

Bong Bong Bengali…

Sunandani Basu, who is working for a media house informs that the Bengalis have a ceremony which is held when you are in the seventh month of your pregnancy. It is called as the Shaath, which means a wish. Your mother-in-law will organise this ceremony for you. She will invite all the  women she knows and they will bring different gifts for you and your baby.

A feast is prepared for the guests. If you are Bengali, rejoice! You can expect gifts like jewellery and clothes and toys and clothes for your unborn baby.

Muslims Style…

Homemaker Minaz Mukhtar Mokashi says, "During the seventh month of pregnancy, a ceremony called Satvasa is held. During this ceremony, you will get seven varieties of fruits and a green saree set. Your husband will be garlanded as a gesture of honour. Later your parents and relatives will be served special meals.

Remember, for a Muslim ceremony, there is no compulsion to give gifts. However, you can expect simple gifts like bouquets or sweets.

And the Goan Catholics

If you are a Goan Catholic, baby showers are a fun practice. You will be taken to your mother's house during the seventh month and then literally decorated with flowers. A special sweet called dodal is prepared for you. Cakes and other goodies are also prepared.

Here is the best part. You can expect anything from gold to clothes during these celebrations. "But you are not supposed to give anything for the baby at this point of time," says Maria Vaz, a telecommunications professional.

So go ahead and enjoy all the attention you are getting while you wait for your bundle of joy to arrive.

Use the tips we have suggested to make your baby showers fun and traditional at the same time.

If you know some traditional baby shower customs, please post your suggestions in our forums page.