Organizing "Mundan / Jaaval"

We had Srushtee's head tonsured (Mundan, Mottai, Jaaval) as is the custom, on the 21st of Jan '07.
This involved arrangements at different levels.
1. Organize the babrber: I asked around and found out from Mom's who had already got their babies head shaved once and got information about "Good barbers." The next step was to arrange with the barber the date and time and then arrange for him to come home for the ceremony.

2. Inviteees: My Mother-In-Law said that Srushtee would have to sit in her Mama's (Maternal Uncle's) Lap. He would cut a small lock of hair and then the barber could take over. After the barber was done, Sruhtee would again be required to sit in her Mama's lap and have laddoos and chocolates showered on her. So Srushtee's Mama's were the primary invitees. Then of course I wanted her grandparents (both sets) to be there for the special event and also her Aunt (Chitti, Maushi). We invited a couple of the neighbours as well.

3. Gifts: It is customary to gift the Mama's something so I put together a hamper for them. The next was the token to the barber. It is customary to give hime some uncooked rice, dal, a few potatos and a shirt peice. All the kids who come should get some chocolates!

4. Menu: Depending on what time you have this ceremony, you would want to offer your gusts something to eat. Srushtee's Jaaval was late in the afternoon, so we had an evening snack of missal, pasta, Apple Pie and Strawberries.

As you can see there is a quite a bit of shopping and co-ordination required here! I thought it was going to be very simple and quick until I actually started to list out things to be done!

Hope this helps you.