Planning a cradle and naming ceremony
2 min read Updated October 14, 2026
Welcoming a new baby often comes with a ceremony: the baby is named, placed in a decorated cradle and blessed by the family. Customs differ by region and family, so check the details with your elders and your priest.
The ceremonies, briefly
- Naamkaran: the naming ceremony, often with a pooja, when the baby’s name is announced to the family.
- Barasala (Telugu families): the naming ceremony, often combined with placing the baby in the cradle.
- Cradle ceremony (Thottil or Palna): the baby is placed in a decorated cradle while the family sings lullabies and gives blessings.
Planning checklist
- Choose a date with your priest and your family, and plan around the baby’s routine.
- Keep the guest list manageable for a young baby: close family and friends.
- Arrange the cradle and its decoration, flowers, the pooja items and lunch.
- Ask a family member to manage guests so the parents can rest.
- Send invitations two to three weeks ahead.
Invitation wording
Dear [Uncle & Aunty], With love and blessings, we invite you to celebrate the cradle ceremony of our little one on [date] at [time], [venue], followed by lunch. Details and RSVP: [link] [Ananya & Arjun]
10:24 AM ✓✓
Dear family and friends, Our little one is ready to be named! Please join us for the Naamkaran on [date] at [time], [venue], and help us welcome [him / her / them] into the family. RSVP by [date]: [link] With love, [Ananya & Arjun]
10:24 AM ✓✓
One page for the details
A single-page event website holds the date, venue, timeline and RSVP in one link you can send on WhatsApp. Family abroad can watch the ceremony on a private livestream.
Frequently asked questions
It varies by family and region. Many hold it within the first weeks after birth, often on a day chosen with the family priest.
The baby is placed in a decorated cradle, family members sing and give blessings, and there is usually a pooja and a meal.
Usually close family and friends, keeping the gathering small and calm for the baby.
Tools for this
- Wedding websiteOne website for every event, each with its own page, dress code, timeline and RSVP.See how it works
- WhatsApp invitationsSend invites, RSVP reminders and day-of updates on WhatsApp from a verified business account.See how it works
- LivestreamPrivate, password-protected livestream from any phone browser, with saved replays.See how it works
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