Brahmopadesha
Here is the list of items required for the sacred thread ceremony:
1. Turmeric
2. Vermilion
3. Turmeric Piece
4. Battalu Adike (Betel Nuts in halves)
5. Dry Dates
6. Betel Leaves
7. Hasi Daara (Wet Thread)
8. Kankana Daara (Sacred Thread to tie)
9. Basinga (Decorative Head Piece)
10. Mustard
11. Incense Sticks
12. Camphor
13. Jaggery
14. Rice
15. Mogata (A Yellow Coloured Towel with a Dhoti)
16. Mogata (for Purohith)
17. White Towels
18. Red Towels
19. Hasemanegalu (Wooden Stools for Auspicious Occasion)
20. Silver bowl for Bhiksha
21. Janivara (Sacred thread -Silver and Golden threads)
22. Silver Kankana
23. Toe Ring
24. Hand Fan
25. Muttugada Leaves (Leaves of Flame of the Forest tree)
26. Sticks from Avenue
27. Paddy Husk Tree (Honge Kaddi)
28. Dung Cakes
29. Sacred Lamp Posts
30. Oil
31. Sandal
32. Plates
33. Bananas
34. Coconuts
35. Panchaphalas (Five varieties of Fruits)
36. Flowers, Garlands
37. Haalu Kambha (Sticks of Banayan tree)
38. Chilli Grinding Stone
39. Large Earthen Pot and a Lid
40. Mango Leaves
41. Dhotis - for Uncle and Grand Father
42. Sarees and Blouse Pieces for Aunt and Grand Mother
43. Milk
44. Curd
45. Ghee
46. Bhattada Aralu (made out of Paddy Grains)
47. White Lime
48. Holy tray, Panchpatre, Udharane
49. Olaga (Band of Traditional Musical Instruments)
50. Panchaloha (Sacred Five Metal Alloy), Pancharatna (Sacred Five Gem Stones)
51. Petas (Turbans)
52. Glasses
53. Aarathi Plates
54. Buckets
55. Arivenus (Set of different Sized EarthenPots). Or, 5 Metal Vessels and 3 Seru (A Traditional Vessel to measure Grains) full of Paddy
The Munji or thread bearing ceremony symbolizes the second birth of a male child. This second birth exemplifies the act of initiation into the social order to fulfill one’s responsibility after taking physical birth.
Typically, parents perform the Munji ceremony when their son turns 7-8 years old which may also vary. Once decided by the family members to perform this auspicious ceremony, a Purohith is consulted to mark a propitious day to conduct the event.
Then, the list of items mentioned above are procured and preparations are made accordingly. Under the guidance of Purohith, the ceremony is conducted on a fixed day in the presence of relatives and invitees.
At the end of the ceremony, the child seeks blessings from his parents and other elders present during the occasion. Later, the guests are offered a ceremonial feast and honoured with tambulas.