The birth of a child is considered auspicious. On the birth of a child the woman is segregated for all-purpose for a few days until a 'Puja' is performed for the purification of the woman. 'NamKaran' (christening) ceremony is also gone through on another auspicious day.
The Namkaran is generally scheduled on the 11th day of birth for both girls and boys. Later on, in case of a son, at the age of 3, 5 or 7 another ceremony called 'Chura Karam' is performed with great enthusiasm, when the head of the child is shaved off and is introduced to schooling by making him write a few letters on a 'Takhti' (wooden board). A special 'Puja' and feast is arranged on this occasion.
All these ceremonies are gone through strictly in accordance to scriptures read on the occasion by the 'Purohit' (Brahmin who is responsible to perform Puja and other rituals according to Hindu scriptures).