The samskaras (sanskars) are the sacred rites observed traditionally in a Hindu’s life. They mark the life from the moment of conception to the final rites performed after death.

The sixteen traditional samskaras are:

1. Garbhadhana (i.e., conception): Sacred rituals for conscious conception
2. Pumsavana (i.e., nurturing the foetus): Rituals supporting healthy foetal growth
3. Simantonnayana (i.e., hair-parting): Blessing ritual for expectant mothers to ensure a safe delivery
4. Jatakarma (i.e., birth ceremony): Ceremonial rites to welcome the newborn child
5. Namakarana (i.e., naming ceremony): Ceremonial rites to name the newborn child
6. Nishkramana (i.e., the child’s first view of the sun): Traditional ceremony marking the newborn’s first outing
7. Annaprashana (i.e., first feeding): Traditional ceremony marking the newborn’s first feeding of solid food
8. Chudakarana (i.e., first tonsure): Traditional ceremony marking the newborn’s first haircut
9. Karnavedha (i.e., ear piercing): Traditional ceremony marking ear-piercing
10. Vidyarambha (i.e., beginning of studies): Traditional ceremony marking the learning of the alphabet
11. Upanayana (i.e., initiation): Traditional ceremony conferring the sacred thread and initiation into student life
12. Vedarambha (i.e., initiation into the Vedas): Ritual marking the beginning of the student’s study of the Vedas
13. Keshanta (i.e., first shaving of the beard): Ritual marking the approach of adulthood, also known as godana
14. Samavartana (i.e., graduation): Ceremony marking the return of the child from education to home, also known as snana (meaning ‘bathing’)
15. Vivaha (i.e., marriage): The sacrament of marriage for social and ancestral duty
16. Antyeshti (i.e., last rites): The final funeral rites performed after death