Kahnethar

Kahanethar is the purification ceremony of a child held in Jammu and Kashmir. It is celebrated on the 11th day after the birth of the child. The word ‘nethar’ means constellation.

The ceremony is similar to baptism in Christian religion. It is held to appease the deities and accept a newborn child into the family. It is said that no religious ceremonies in the family can be held before the Kahanethar ceremony.

A day before Kahanethar, a ceremonial medicinal bath called Shran-sonder is held. Shran-sonder is necessary before the Kahanethar ceremony is held.