What happens at the birth of a Sikh?

Birth: Cradle Ceremony

When a baby is born into the Sikh family, the family members rejoice. Guru Granth Sahib hymns are sung, and the child is placed into the cradle decorated with flowers. An elder or a Granthi (priest) takes the new born baby in their arms and passes the holy word into the baby's ears from the Guru Granth Sahib. The name of the child is whispered so that the first thing child's ears should hear is the sacred sound of the Guru's word. They also thank God for the gift. At the moment of the birth, the child is considered to have joined the Sikh Faith. The name of the child is chosen from the Adi Granth using the opening letter as per the birth constellation. If the birth star or constellation start with the letter "B", all possible names from the Guru Granth Sahib beginning with that letter will be listed and placed in a bowl or container. In the "Hukamnama" prayer or opening page, the first letter on the right-hand page is taken as the initial letter for the child's name. This signifies that right from the beginning, Sikh parents instill in their child a religious bent of mind.

Naming (Naam Karan):

The formal naming ceremony is performed on the 10th, 11th or 12th day of the baby's birth depending upon the convenience of the family. An Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib for 48 hours straight) is recited. On completion, Hukam (divine injunction) is taken as described above and the child is given the name. The chosen name is announced before the congregation. Karah Parshad is distributed followed by a Guru Ka Langar (free community lunch).