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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain some different ways that Hindu families celebrate important moments in life.

      Key learning points

      1. When a baby is born in a Hindu family, there are special prayers and celebrations to welcome the baby.
      2. Hindu babies often have their first haircut (Mundan) as a special celebration.
      3. Mundan ceremony is a way for the family to wish the baby a happy, healthy life as they grow.
      4. The Rakhi celebration is where siblings tie a rakhi on each other's wrists to show love and protection.

      Keywords

      • Mundan - the special first haircut ceremony for Hindu babies to wish them a healthy life

      • Rakhi - a bracelet siblings tie on each other's wrists to show love and protection

      • Blessing - a prayer or wish for happiness, health, and love that families give during these celebrations

      • Raksha Bandhan - a special festival that celebrates the love between siblings

      Common misconception

      Only Hindu boys have their Mundan haircut.

      Both boys and girls can have their Mundan first haircut as part of this special tradition.

      Teacher tip

      Share a simple story about a Hindu family preparing for a Mundan ceremony or a Rakhi celebration. The NATRE resources have a photo case study you could use. Use different materials, like colourful threads for rakhi or pictures showing the ceremonies, to make the experience multisensory.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Hindus believe in one main called Brahman.

      Correct Answer: God, god

      Q2.
      What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights?

      Pentecost
      Eid
      Correct answer: Diwali

      Q3.
      Who is Vishnu in Hinduism?

      Correct answer: a god who looks after the world
      a god who makes the rain
      a god who lights fireworks

      Q4.
      Many Hindus in a special place called a mandir.

      Correct Answer: worship, Worship

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In the Mundan ceremony, the baby’s is shaved for the first time.

      Correct Answer: head, Head

      Q2.
      The Mundan ceremony can take place in a mandir or at ...

      Correct Answer: home, Home

      Q3.
      All Hindu boys have their Mundan haircut.

      True – all Hindu boys have this haircut.
      Correct answer: False – not all Hindu boys have it.
      Only girls have the Mundan haircut.

      Q4.
      What does a rakhi show?

      a wish for good luck
      a promise to grow taller
      Correct answer: love and protection

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Welcoming a Hindu baby, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...