The Sixteen Sanskars
The Samskaras, are the vital rites of passage that mark a person's journey from conception to death in the Hindu tradition. These rituals are intended to purify the individual and sanctify various biological and educational milestones, including pregnancy, naming a child, and the start of formal schooling. Major life transitions such as marriage (Vivaha) and funeral rites (Antyeshti) are highlighted as essential ceremonies that connect the individual to their family, society, and the divine.