Upanainam

Upanaynam

An Upanaynam is a traditional manhood ceremony for a Hindu. It commonly takes place at age 14, and is a traditional Hindu rite of passage to become a man.

Procedure

Traditionally, the Upanaynam starts with the boy reciting verses from the Rig Veda, with a priest looking on. All family members have to be present. After this, the boy will wear a sacred thread around their shoulder. This is a sign that they are "twice-born"; the boy will wear this thread for the rest of his life. This ceremony traditionally takes place in India, the homeland of the person.