Ritu Kala Samskaram

The ritushuddhi marks a transition out of childhood.

Ritual

The ritu kala samskaram is a rite of passage for women. The ceremony, which is customary in South India, occurs after menarche.

This milestone is observed by family and friends with gifts. It normally takes place at the girl's home. She receives half-saris, which she wears until she is married, when she wears a full sari.

During the first part of the ceremony, the girl wears a langa voni, or half sari. Her maternal uncle then gifts her first sari, which she wears during the second half of the ceremony. This marks her transition into womanhood. The tradition of presenting a langa voni begins with the girl's namakaran, or naming ceremony, and her annaprashana, or first rice-feeding ceremony. She receives her final langa voni at the ritu kala samskaram.