Yearender 2024: Why name-reveal ceremonies are gaining a fanbase over traditional ‘naamkaran’

Concurring, Poonam Jadhav of Sukanya Events, who organised the event for Sandip, told indianexpress.com that naming ceremonies that typically involved only pandits and close family members have now become “fancy” and “grand”. “Customisation ensures these events remain rooted in tradition even as the scale goes up and modern elements are incorporated,” said Poonam, who has a decade of experience in organising events.

The rise in popularity of name-reveal ceremonies

According to Poonam, large-scale name-reveal ceremonies, often viral on social media, have grown popular this year.

Madaan agreed, saying that this year, naming ceremonies have embraced modernity, with personalised storytelling, creative rituals, and unique themes. “Families narrate the significance of the name, involve siblings in symbolic activities, and incorporate cultural elements like fire rituals and blessings with rice. Celebrants often guide the ceremony, making it interactive, enjoyable, and memorable,” she said.

Prerna Kotiyal of 4Seasons Events said, “Packages range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 3 lakh, depending on the client’s vision. Lord Shiva-based themes, celestial motifs, and animals are trending now.” Kotiyal, who runs 4Seasons with her partner Akshay Jain, also said, “More people are opening up to such celebrations. When a new trend comes into the market, the popularity only goes up the next year. So, this trend is going to stay in 2025.”

The social media game

Social media has revolutionised the event industry in numerous ways, making it an indispensable tool for event planners, organisers, and attendees. “From pre-event buzz to post-event highlights, social media connects the world. By leveraging social media effectively, event organisers can create engaging, memorable, and successful events that leave a lasting impact on attendees,” said Kotiyal.

“From colour bomb sky shots to confetti blasts and giant life-size gift boxes filled with blue/pink balloons opened by parents, the events are no less than spectacles,” she said.

Concerns

Madaan contended that this shift – from intimate naamkaran to grand name-reveal ceremonies – offers opportunities and challenges. “Grand events foster joy, community bonding, and lasting memories but can sometimes dilute the spiritual essence. Traditional ceremonies, though simpler, retain their profound cultural and spiritual significance,” she said.

Sahiba Rattan Sethi, counselling child psychologist and founder, Ummeed Healing, shared her concern over such public spectacles. “Such unnecessary large-scale invented traditions put a lot of pressure on a child even before they have opened their eyes to see the world,” she said.

“Any child born since the invention of Orkut has lived in the public eye harming their psychological development and self-esteem in ways we are only just beginning to understand. They have lived their lives in the public eye so much so that most only want to become star influencers. Unconsciously it builds expectations of the parents and the large public who are invited for such functions expecting the child to be a superstar without allowing them to just be,” said Sethi.

According to Madaan, naming ceremonies, whether traditional or contemporary, symbolise love, hope, and the enduring connection between a child, their family, and their heritage. “This evolution reflects how Indian families embrace modernity while staying rooted in their rich cultural traditions,” she said.