Namkaran Muhurat नामकरण मुहूर्त
Choosing an auspicious day for the naming ceremony (Namkaran sanskar)
A namkaran muhurat is the auspicious time for a baby’s naming ceremony (Namkaran sanskar). It is traditionally held on the 11th or 12th day after birth, or on a chosen auspicious day within the first few months, on a favourable nakshatra and tithi.
When it is done
Namkaran is classically done on the 11th or 12th day after birth; some families choose a later auspicious day in the first few months once mother and child are well. The naming syllable itself is taken from the baby’s birth-nakshatra pada.
Auspicious timings at a glance
| Good months | Any month on a favourable day; the Uttarayana months are generally preferred |
| Good nakshatras | Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha and Revati |
| Good tithis | Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya and Purna tithis — Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi and Trayodashi |
| Good weekdays | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday |
Periods to avoid
Rikta tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi), Amavasya, eclipse days, and usually Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
How the muhurat is chosen
- Choose a day within the traditional window (around the 11th–12th day, or a later auspicious day in the first months).
- Pick a favourable nakshatra and tithi, avoiding Rikta tithis and Amavasya.
- Find the naming syllable from the baby’s birth-nakshatra pada — see the namkaran letters guide.
- On the day, hold the ceremony in an auspicious choghadiya or the Abhijit Muhurat, avoiding Rahu Kaal.
Auspicious days & festivals
The first-letter for the name is chosen from the birth nakshatra and pada — use the namkaran naming letters and the birth nakshatra calculator to find it.
Important: This is general guidance, not a personalised muhurat. Fix the final date with a qualified pandit considering the horoscopes and regional tradition. To check the choghadiya and Rahu Kaal on a shortlisted date, use the muhurat planner.
Common questions
When is the namkaran ceremony done?
Traditionally on the 11th or 12th day after birth, or a chosen auspicious day in the first few months once mother and child are well.
Which nakshatras are good for namkaran?
Auspicious nakshatras such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Shravana and Revati are favoured.
How is the name’s first letter decided?
It is taken from the baby’s birth-nakshatra and its pada (quarter). The namkaran letters guide and birth-nakshatra calculator give the syllable.
Which days are avoided for namkaran?
Rikta tithis, Amavasya, eclipse days, and usually Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Do we need a pandit for namkaran?
For the formal sanskar most families invite a pandit; the muhurat here is general guidance — confirm the final time with them.