Baby Shower (Godh Bharai)
Every woman is a god when she becomes a mother.
In some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the expected birth or delivery of a child by presenting gifts to the mother at a party, while other cultures organize a baby shower to celebrate the transformation of a woman into a mother.
A Baby Shower in India is commonly known as “Godh Bharai”. But in Bengal, it is called ‘Shaad’, in Kerala, ‘Seemandham’ in Tamil Nadu, it is known as ‘Valakappu’.
This event is the perfect time for expectant moms to be surprised with gifts for her and her baby. Different communities and families have their own reasoning for a perfect time to celebrate this event. Usually this ceremony is carried out when the expectant mother completes seven months of pregnancy. Both mother and baby are then believed to be in the “safe phase.”
The Godh Bharai ritual is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. Regardless of the community to which the future mother belongs, all communities have one aspect in common. That is, focus on celebrating motherhood and blessing the unborn baby. In some families, it is part of their religious ceremony that the body of the future mother is anointed with a special oil by older women in the family. The oils used for the anointing and the intentions for their use are believed to serve a very special purpose with physical, emotional, and spiritual effects on the body, mind, and spirit. Then the expectant mother dresses in a sari or any other traditional dress of her choice, adorned with flowers or garlands. Finally, the puja is performed before the activities or events that celebrate Godh Bharai begin.
In the case of a western inspired Baby Shower ceremony, friends and the expectant mother organize a gathering with a baby theme and gifts are given to the expectant mother and the unborn baby. still.
Keeping in mind the various activities scheduled to celebrate a baby shower, friends and family will ensure that the expectant mother gets a good rest before the hectic day ahead.
The dress code should be considered with the weather and location in mind. If it is a traditional ceremony, a sari or lehenga would be an ideal dress code. For a casual Baby Shower with friends, an evening dress or a fancy dress can be considered.
The event does not need to be organized indoors. It can be arranged by the pool, on the lawn or even on the terrace.
Guests can leave baby cards, booties, soft pillows, baby items, photo frames, etc. for the future mom and baby. Return a token of appreciation to your guests. It can be anything in the form of scarves, books, scented candles, etc.
Godh Bharai calls for a feast complete with sweets and fried flavors. However, many expectant moms are very health conscious these days. But this shouldn’t stop you from having a good time. A ‘diet’ theme where baked or steamed foods are complemented by fruits, juices, and vegetables can be ideal not only for the expectant mom but also for guests.
Think of some entertaining hobbies for everyone, such as music, dance, and mehandi performers. Play a simple game like guessing the sex of the baby just by looking at the mommy’s belly. Adding fun themes to the event, like everyone dressing like they’re pregnant too (stuffing their tummy with pillows) would be fun and therefore help the expectant mom not to feel out of place.
The little one is on his way and there is no better way than a Godh Bharai (Baby Shower) to celebrate it. Enjoy this occasion with your loved ones. It will be over before you know it. This day is sure to be a gift.
Remember that motherhood is difficult and a decision you make to put someone else’s happiness and well-being before your own. It will be your greatest achievement when a woman becomes a mother