Chhaithi (which translates to sixth) is a ceremony celebrated six days after the birth of a baby. The closest family members of the baby come together to celebrate this occasion in the hope that the baby is blessed with good fortune. The practice and rituals vary from culture to culture, among the ethnic groups, the family’s traditions, etc.
Prabha Amatya, a mother of two from Patan, shares her experience of performing chhaithi for her brother’s son:
“I am the baby’s nini (paternal aunt). In chhaithi, the nini is the key person who performs the ritual. I laid the baby on my lap and my mother laid twelve heaps of dhaan (rice) around us, and on top of the dhaan, twelve diyos (oil lamps) were placed and lit. I massaged the baby with oil, then changed the baby into a new set of clothes that I had brought for him. Along with the clothes, I also brought fruits, sweets, and gifts for him. I also get new clothes and gifts in return. We lit diyos around the house as it is a joyous celebration. Even though we didn’t perform any bhajan kirtan that day, some people play traditional instruments and sing bhajans during this ceremony to bless the newborn.”
In a blog post titled ‘Chhaithi for Chhori’, nepaliaustralian, a Newar who resides in Australia, shares a similar story with an additional ritual added:
“For chhaithi, the fufu (paternal aunt) will need to bring some koseli (gifts for the baby) which includes fruits and sweets along with a new pair of clothes for the baby. She will also bring a notebook and a pen. According to tradition, Vidhaata (the goddess of destiny) would enter the house around midnight to pen the destiny of the newborn. Traditionally the mother of the newborn lights a lamp and this lamp along with a pen and paper given by fufu are placed on a wooden plank for Vidhaata to write the future of the newborn.”
Credits:
13 Rituals of Nepal from Birth to Death and Beyond, Rabinsxp.com
Chhaithi for Chhori, Nepaliaustralian.com
Writer details:
Shubha Joshi is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Lalitpur, Nepal. She is often finding ways to reconnect to her culture and roots via writing and in her art. Please look at her Instagram page @my.ig.artjournal for her illustrations.
