Every woman is a god when she becomes a mother.
In some countries, a baby shower is a way of celebrating the expected or delivered birth of a child by presenting gifts to the mother at a party, while other cultures hold a baby shower to celebrate a woman’s transformation 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 to surprise moms-to-be with gifts for her and her baby. Different communities and families have their own reasonings about the perfect time to celebrate this event. Most commonly, this ceremony takes place when the expectant mother completes seven months of pregnancy. Both mother and baby are believed to be in a “safe phase” at this time.
The Godh Bharai ritual is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. Regardless of the community the mom-to-be belongs to, all communities have one thing 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 older women in the family anoint the body of the expectant mother with a special oil. The oils used for anointing and the intentions behind their use are believed to have a very special purpose with physical, emotional and spiritual effects on the body, mind and spirit. The expectant mother is then dressed in a sari or any other traditional dress of her choice, adorned with flowers or garlands. Finally, the puja is done before the activities or events that celebrate Godh Bharai start.
In the case of a Western-inspired Baby Shower ceremony, friends and the mother-to-be host a baby-themed gathering and gifts are given to the mother-to-be and unborn baby. even.
Considering the various activities planned to celebrate a baby shower, friends and family will make sure that the expectant mother is well rested before the hectic day ahead.
Dress code should be considered in light of weather and location. If it’s a traditional ceremony, a sari or lehenga would be an ideal dress code. For an informal Baby Shower with friends, an elegant evening 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, baby booties, soft pillows, baby items, photo frames, etc. for the mother-to-be and the baby to be born. Return guests a token of appreciation. It can be anything in the form of scarves, books, scented candles, etc.
Godh Bharai calls for a feast complete with fried sweets and savories. However, many moms-to-be are very health conscious these days. But this should not prevent them 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 mom-to-be but also for guests.
Think of some entertaining hobbies for everyone, such as music, dance and mehandi artists. Play a simple game like guessing the gender of the baby just by looking at the mother’s belly. Add fun themes to the event, like everyone dressing like they’re pregnant (putting pillows on their bellies) will be fun and therefore help the mom-to-be not 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 opportunity with your loved ones. It will be over before you know it. Surely this day is a gift.
Remember that motherhood is difficult and a choice 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.