Dhundh (ढुन्ढ) is a Hindu ritual in Rajasthan. It is performed on all children below one year old on Holi. This ritual may be similar to Punyajanam, which the Tamils perform for the naming ceremony of a newborn.[1]

History

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Dhundh is linked to the Bhavishya Purana, which described an incident involving a rakshasi demon named Dhundh during the reign of King Raghu. Abiding to Guru Vashishtha, people kindled fire at various spots to keep the demoness away. Thus the Lord's name[tone] and fire kept the demoness away - so on this day, children make mischief.[tone]

Ceremony

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The child is married to the Holika after the burning of holi. In the evening, people (called Gerias) come to the child's paternal home. The child is dressed into new clothes and is placed in the lap of relatives on the Bajotia (a wooden seat). The Gerias then dance around the child and beat on a cloth used to cover the child. The child's family then gives sweets to the Gerias.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ करनपुरी (18 March 2022). "होलिका दहन के बाद होती है बच्चे के जन्म से जुड़ी ढूंढ पूजन की रस्म, जानें क्यों होती है यह पूजा". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 31 October 2022.
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