| A detailed series of life-cycle rituals (samskara, or refinements) mark major transitions in the life of an individual. Orthodox Hindu families may invite Brahman priests to their homes to officiate at these rituals, complete with sacred fire and recitations of mantras. Upanayanam is one of them. Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas wear Yagnopavetham or the sacred thread. Wearing the sacred thread is a very holy and sacred ceremony. Upanayanam | Item | Quantity | | Turmeric powder | 1 Packet | | Kumkum | 1 Packet | | Sandalwood powder/tablets/paste | 1 Packet | | Agarbatthi | 1 Packet | | Camphor | 1 Packet | | Betel leaves | 15 | | Betel Nuts | 1 Small Packet | | Cardamom | 1 Small Packet | | Flowers | 2 Bouquets | | Banana | 12 | | 5 Variety of fruits | (2 or 5) Each | | Coconuts | 5 | | Rice | 10 pounds | | Ghee | 1 Pound | | Scissors | 1 | | Sweets | As per tradition | | Dhothi (Veshti) | 2 | | Towel (Thundu) | 2 | | Dry coconut | 2 | | Fire wood chips | 1 Packet | | Aluminum baking trays (medium size) | 2 | | Deepam (Lamps) | 1 | | Oil | 1 Bottle | | Match box | 1 | | Cotton wick (small packet) | 1 Packet | | Paper towels | 1 Roll | | Trays for fruits and flowers | 5 | | Havan samagri | 1 Packet | | Quarters | 40 Coins | | Naivedyam (prasadam) | Rava kesari, and/or jaggery Pongal | | Rock candy or dry fruits or sweets | 1 packet | | Garlands | 2 | | New Dress | For the Boy | | New Vessel for Biksha | 1 | | Yajnopavitham | Gold and Silver, if Possible. |
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