Young Hindu having his head shaved during the Namakaran Ceremony , Tamil Nadu , India

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Traditionally the Namakaran or Naming Ceremony takes place within 10 days of a childs birth, However due to the high mortality rate of children in India many parents wait until their child is at least one or two years old. The hair is a gift of self-sacrifice and takes place at a temple. Sick children also have their hair shaved as a gift to God. Although this is a Hindu rite of passage Many Muslims and Indians of other religions follow this tradition and will go to a Hindu temple for the ceremony.

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Photo credit: © Louise Batalla Duran / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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