The website moves on to the next section, Sanskaras, or important milestones of life. Our ancestors designed ingenious landmarks involving ceremonies and prayers to mark transitional stages in life. These have evolved as ceremonies to be observed even in current society. For instance, there is the ceremony of namakarana, giving a suitable name to the newborn (within ten days of birth). Several life events follow the first ceremony: jatakarma–annaprashana, the child’s taking of its first solid food (third month); karna-vedha, ear piercing (sixth month); choodakarma, the first haircut (one year); Upanayana, the wearing the of the holy thread and initiation into Vedic prayers (eighth year); Vag nischaya, the engagement ceremony; and Vivaha, the wedding ceremony. There are also ceremonies associated with events after death, cremation, and periodical observances of anniversaries of the departed.

While the Sanskaras are conceived of as landmark events creating a climate for enabling and empowering a person for his or her optimal growth and development, there are also colorful festivities associated with certain holy days, such as the birthday of Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Dasara/Navaratri, Deepvali, the festival of lights, and Holi, the event of colors. These are presented in our special infomercials, interspersed with videos.