When a newborn calf is born, what traditions is the naming ceremony associated with? Learn centuries old rituals

In the hill culture of Uttarakhand, Badhan Devta or Boudhan Devta is considered the god of protection of animals and prosperity. In many areas of Kumaon and Garhwal, the safety of milch animals and prosperity of milk and curd are considered to be linked to their blessings. It is a popular belief that unless the deity Badhaan is worshipped, the milk of the animal remains untouchable. That is why the tradition of ‘Gaad Chhadana’ or Badhaan Puja is performed with the birth of a newborn cow or buffalo. In the mountain society, Dhinai (milk and curd) is considered the biggest wealth.

In Kumaon, milk and curd were considered so sacred that even a special deity was considered for it. According to tradition, the milk of the newborn animal is not consumed with bread or rice for 11 days. This milk is given only to children, women and even Dev Dangar do not touch it. On the 11th day, ‘Lapsi’ is made from milk and offered to the deity, only then the normal use of this milk begins. This rule was made in the mountains so that the newborn child can drink milk in full quantity and the animal does not become weak. This tradition still persists in many villages.

In Uttarakhand, ‘Badhaan Puja’ is performed on the 7th, 9th or 11th day of the birth of a cow or buffalo calf. On this day, special puja is done at home, which is also called ‘Gaad Chhadana’ in many areas. The symbol of Lord Ganesha is made from pure cow dung and a wooden peg (nail) is considered a place of worship. The newborn animal is garlanded with flowers and fed jaggery after reciting the mantra. Lapsi is offered after the puja. It is believed that with this method the animal remains healthy and there is no shortage of food in the house.

The method and rules of worshiping Badhan Devta are different in different areas of Kumaon. At some places only Badhaan deity is worshipped, at other places Badhaan deity is also worshiped on the 11th day and Chamu deity is also worshiped on the 22nd day. In the local dialect it is called ‘Keri’, like Badhan Keri, Chamu Keri. This is why in the mountains it is said that some are Badhaan Kerry, some Chamu Kerry. This difference is not only a symbol of worship, but also of food traditions and lifestyle. The mountain society has considered animal husbandry as a basic part of culture.

In old traditions, Dhinai i.e. milk and curd was considered the greatest wealth. The prosperity of the boy’s family was also considered the first condition for marriage. There were also popular beliefs like considering tea without milk as a curse. Such rules show that in the mountains, milk is not just food but a symbol of prosperity, purity and faith. The entire society depended on the care of animals, their health and the purity of milk. This thinking gave rise to the worship of animal deities like Badhan and Chamu.

In many villages of Kumaon, Badhan Devta is worshiped on the peg (nail) of the animal. A symbol of Badhaan is made from cow dung and fresh milk is offered. This ritual of naming a newborn is considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity of the house. In many villages, puja is done at home, while in some areas there is a tradition of offering milk in the temple of Badhan Devta. The Badhan Thali temple of Pangot Kotabagh located in Nainital district is a famous center of this faith, where thousands of villagers come every year to worship.

Bageshwar Acharya Kailash Upadhyay told Local 18 that according to folklore, in ancient times, Badhaan Puja was performed near the stove of the house and Lord Ganesha himself used to come in the form of a child to eat the offerings. Once, in a hurry, an elderly woman put hot kheer in his hand, due to which his hand got burnt. Due to this, Lord Ganesha became angry and the woman’s cow stopped giving milk. Later the gods told that the puja should be done at a place with water, from then on Badhaan puja was removed from the stove of the house and started being done near the water source. This story is still told in the villages.

Even today in many villages, evening milk is considered untouchable and is not used in food. It is a popular belief that negative powers are active at night, hence evening milk is not offered to the gods. From a scientific point of view, evening milk is thicker and also spoils quickly, hence it was kept in limited use. The tradition of including milk in normal food only after Badhaan Puja is also related to this thinking. These traditions of the mountains show the coordination of both culture and science.