As promised, here I am with my detailed post on Boarnahan.
Boar, Sugarcane, and other goodies set for the ritual. Aarti plate is also set.
What is Boarnahan:
Lets start with understanding the word Boarnahan. Splitting the word gets us Boar + nahan = Showering with boar (winter fruit). Also called Ber, Jujub, Indian plum etc.. Little children [below age 5] are showered with Boar, sugar cane, churmura, phutana, sugar candies and other goodies. Picture above. In some parts Boarnahan is also called loot.
When is this ritual performed?
This ritual is performed on or after Makar sankranti and before Rathasaptami.
Where is this ritual practiced?
This ritual is widely practiced in Maharashtra, North Karnataka and some parts of Andhra and Tamil Nadu. Some perform this ritual once while some observe it for five years. I preferred to do it for five years. This was his last boarnahan.
Details:
Little children are dressed and adorned with 'Halvya che daghine' [Marathi for ornaments made of sugar candies]. These ornaments include a neck piece, crown, armlets, bracelets and a murli. Picture below. Boys are usually dressed as Krishna. The eldest lady of the family performs the Aarti and tika. And then all the elders shower the child with goodies.
Ceremonial ornaments also called Halvya che daghine
My mom performing the Aarti to our little krishna
These goodies are then collected/looted by the other children who are specially invited to loot. This is the messiest part. hence what I do is pack the smaller goodies viz churmura, mamra, til gud etc.. in small plastic packs and the other things like chocolates, biscuits, other savouries, pencils rubbers etc are left open since they do not mess as much. I also provide each child with a loot bag and get them to write their initials on them so that their bags do not mix up. After the loot, the kids are served refreshments.
This time my boy was mighty upset that he got looted and said, "arre saab le liya kuch bhi nahi rakhha mere liye". I was so amused.
We all showering him with goodies
.....and the kids loot our little Krishna.
Why is this ritual performed?
There are a lot of stories or benefits listed.
- Some say by performing this ritual the parents pay gratitude to the god for bestowing them with a child and promise to take care of the child forever.
- Some say showering the child with boar and other goodies bring in good luck to the child and ensures no evil eye can be cast on the child.
- Some say showering the child with goodies involves blessing the child.
My personal explanation is this ritual is performed so that parents share their bundle of joy with others in the society. It also helps the child make friends. Its pure socializing.
My boy and the kids had a blast or what.........
This was our last boarnahan the end of another phase. Singing out with mixed feelings.
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