10 Ideal Seemantham Gift Ideas For Guests, Its Significance & Process!

A baby on board? CONGRATULATIONS! Since you’re planning for a Seemantham (Valaikappu), you must be nearing the delivery date. Now, the number of days left for the delivery is indirectly proportional to the amount of rest the mom-to-be needs. Which means that the closer you get to the birth date, the more rest you should take. Speaking of which,in this blog we attempt to let you know all about the Seemantham ceremony and suggest some remarkable Seemantham gift ideas for guests. The main intent behind bringing this up is to let the soon to be mommy rest and get all the ceremony related answers at once and from the comfort of her couch.

What Is Seemantham?

Seemantham or Valaikappu is a traditional South Indian function, observed in the last trimester of pregnancy. The ceremony is similar to a baby shower, the name differing from region to region. The same is celebrated in North India as ‘Godh Bharai’ (In Hindi, Godh means ‘lap’ and Bharai means ‘to fill’). 

It is also known as ‘Poolu Mudupu’ (decorating hair with flowers) & ‘Gajulu Todagan’ (wearing glass bangles) in Telugu. Being one of the 16 samskaras known as ‘Simantonnayana’ in Sanskrit, the function is usually celebrated for 1st pregnancy only these days. However, in the olden times, it was performed for every subsequent conception. 

Significance Of Seemantham

Back in the day, when women used to depend on the local midwives for delivery, this sacred ceremony was performed to ease the passage and invoke blessings. Today, it is performed to pray to gods for a safe pregnancy and safe delivery of the baby. The mother-to-be is considered as Lakshmi (Goddess Of Wealth). To seek a risk-free delivery and a healthy, long-life for the expectant child is the primal goal of this tradition.

Another purpose of this ceremony is to honour and protect the pregnant woman who is seen as prey to the evil eye and malicious spirits. After the celebration, the mother-to-be rests at her parents’ home for the rest and the final weeks of her pregnancy.

To talk about scientific reasons, an expecting woman should take the best possible care of her health (both physical and emotional) to make sure the foetus develops properly. Functions like Seemantham and Valaikappu, which involve family gatherings with loads of laughter and a rich traditional dinner, spread happiness and joy in everyone’s hearts, leading to a happy soon-to-be-mother.

What are the Things Needed for Seemantham?

In order to get the plan into action, one needs certain items to gather. For Seemantham, the ingredients are almost the same as Godh Bharai but with slight additions. Here is the list of items that you’ll be needing in a Valaikappu ceremony:

1. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
2. Betel Leaves (Paan Ke Patte)
3. Camphor (Kapoor)
4. Coconut
5. Flowers & Flower Garlands
6. Kalasham
7. Kumkum
8. Fruits
9. Clarified Butter (Ghee)
10. Mango Leaves
11. New Cloth Piece
12. Oil or Ghee with cotton balls
13. Plates
14. Rice
15. Sandal Powder
16. Sweet Rice
17. Vermicelli Kheer (Payasam)
18. White Thread
19. Turmeric Powder
20. Glass Bangles (usually red and green)

How is Seemantham Performed?

Just like any other Indian function or ritual, the auspicious time or muhuratam is set by the priest (pandit ji), followed by the sending of the invites. At least 5 women should be invited and present in this ritual.

The pregnant woman receives blessings from and of her mother, mother-in-law, husband and other elderly people. She is then offered kumkum, pasupu (turmeric), gandham (sandalwood) for her Mangalyam or Mangalsutra by the ladies.  

A paste is made with sandalwood and turmeric and applied to her hands and face to reduce the body heat and calm the mother and baby from the fear and anxiety of childbirth. The guests place garlands on her wrists accompanied by glass bangles (usually, red and green) in odd numbers. The sound of the bangles is believed to induce the child’s senses and brain activity.

Flowers and garlands are used to adorn the mother-to-be’s hair and bestow well-wishes and prayers for a safe delivery. This also portrays pampering the pregnant lady with utmost love and care.

By offering sweets and fruits, the guests and the family members pray for a safe delivery and well-nutritioned child. A baby toy is offered to her, which is a token for a healthy baby to be delivered, along with a new cloth or blouse piece and Thambulan (a combination of betel leaves along with betel nuts).

Finally, the mother-to-be is given Mangala Aarthi by the five ladies as traditional bhajans (hymns) and songs are sung. The said songs and hymns are believed to bless the mother and the child and protect them from evil eye.

10 Ideal Seemantham Gift Ideas for Guests

To turn an event memorable for both the host and the guests, gifts are the primary requirement. Moreover, no Indian function as special as a Godh Bharai/Seemantham is complete without remarkable return gifts. On top of that, when you’ve got everything prepared to its finest, you can’t risk choosing return gifts that are mundane. Hence, here are some of the best Seemantham return gift ideas that will make your special day memorable.

Below these, you’ll find traditional Seemantham gifts as well as gift items for when you’re invited as a guest and are looking to present something to the host. We’ve brought  together every possible gift that one could be looking for, related to the ceremony, be it as a guest or a host. This way, you won’t have to search different websites for Seemantham gifts online. Keep reading to check if something interests you, starting with the presents for guests!

Ceremonies like baby showers and Godh Bharai include most of the guests being ladies. Although, in Seemantham/Valaikappu, the soon-to-be-father and a few other males of the family are invited, women are involved in most of the rituals and activities. Which is why, when choosing a return gift, keep in mind that it will be presented to a female, directly or indirectly.

1. Jewellery Box

The first love of almost every female is jewellery and makeup. As a girl grows up, the number of accessories, jewellery and makeup items possessed by her also increase. It reaches its maximum count when she gets married. That means, she needs an organiser to keep all of them safe and at one place. Be her knight in shining armour by presenting this Crystal Studded Jewellery Box for her knicks and knacks. The piece is silver-plated and makes for a luxurious yet feasible gift for your near and dear ones.

2. Tray

Trays have been ruling the gifting game since ages. Talk about silver-plated ones, they are the most sought after if you’re looking for something that is not only luxurious but also auspicious. Since, it is considered a bad omen to present an empty utensil, you can fill this kind of tray with dry fruits, chocolates or anything that you prefer. 

3. Sugar Pots

Another remarkable gift would be this enamelled sugar pot that comes with a spoon and an air-tight, ornate lid. The artwork is completely silver-plated and tarnished, making it a durable one. One can use it for a number of purposes, from storing sugar or dry fruits to serving other delicacies. A gift this useful and enticing is surely the most appropriate one.

4. Bowls Set

Presenting the best one in the kitchenware collection, this Duck Shaped Bowls & Tray Set comes with an anti-tarnish guarantee for its silver-plating. The durable artefact consists of three ornate bowls with matching spoons and a suitable tray. Perfect for both contemporary as well as a vintage setting, the recipient will think of you every time they’ll use it. 

5. Fruit Basket/Centrepiece

Giving centrepieces a modish twist, this Vintage Floral Golden Basket serves as an epitome of elegance. While acting as a centrepiece for coffee and dining table, this one can also be used to serve dry delicacies such as dry fruits, chocolates, candies, and more. One can always hand it out as a home decor element and show off their class. While making for one of the best return gifts, this one makes sure that the gift doesn’t get stashed in a corner and actually cherished.

6. Photo Frame

Picture frames make for one of the best Seemantham gift items one could give. While this one is silver-plated, it is also timeless, durable and never goes out of fashion with the crystal beadings. It suits and is liked by everyone, be it a male or a female, an elderly or a youngster. Moreover, this dazzling photo frame goes with every theme and occasion, hence is versatile. In addition to that, your affectionate ones will preserve their memories in this art piece and will be reminded of your special day.

7. Religious/Pooja Items

An auspicious occasion like this one calls for the baby shower gifts to be equally sacred. To add to the auspiciousness, this Pooja Thali set consists of an Om Pooja Bell, a Deepak, an Agarbatti stand and a round Thali, all of which are silver-plated. Handing out something with a composition of metal like silver is considered a good omen in Indian culture. Which is why, religious items make for praiseworthy return gifts.

8. Mug Set

As you must have noticed, we’ve tried to include as many useful articles as possible. This mug set is another such artefact. Along with the utility, it is also a magnificent one, with teaspoons of similar designs. The anti-tarnish guarantee gives them a long life, hence making your gift memorable and treasured. While mug sets are awfully casual and common gift options, this one has a unique design and a luxurious touch to it. Therefore, making it hard for the recipient to regift or keep it untouched in the corner.

9. God Idols

All Indian ceremonies involve and are based on gods and their prayers. Then, why not offer god idols to the guests. As shown above, you can go for a Lord Ganesh God Idol as it is considered a good omen for new beginnings. Or you can always go for an idol that you prefer more or you think the recipient worships religiously. Not only will they take home auspiciousness and positive energies, they will also not be able to regift it and cherish it forever. A win-win situation for both, right?

10. Sindoor Box

Most of the ladies in a Seemantham ceremony are married. Offering them an ornate and luxurious sindoor box like the Peacock Accent Sindoor Box shown in the picture will make for a gift that they’ll be using on a regular basis. As the kumkum or sindoor holds a special emotional value in the hearts of married women, this one can be the perfect and most thoughtful present for them. For the unmarried ones, this one can act as a trinket box, too!

What are Some Elegant Yet Traditional Seemantham Return Gift Ideas?

While the above-mentioned gift items for Seemantham were selected by keeping in mind the elegance and changing times, a lot of people still want to stay rooted to the roots. If you’re one of the classic ones, this section of the blog is for you. If not, you can skip this part and read ahead. 

Going for something traditional as return gifts doesn’t mean it has to be something boring or mundane. Following are some of the most elegant as well as traditional Seemantham gifts that you’ll find. They exhibit traditionalism without hampering your sophistication.

1. New Clothing (Saree/Suit)

Gifting new clothes has been the top most option for every occasion. Usually, they are the most likeable ones, too. Since we’re talking about traditions, sarees are the most preferred piece of clothing by South Indian women. Not only are they economical, but you also get a huge variety to choose from.

2. Hampers

As far as the culture goes, no Indian festival or celebration ends without lots of fruits and sweets. For your guests, a hamper of dry fruits, chocolates, fresh fruits and sweets might work wonders. Eatables are everyone’s favourites, irrespective of their gender and age. In addition to that, you can also get the hampers customised to make it more thoughtful and elegant.

3. Bangles

As discussed, majority of the attendants at Seemantham/Valaikappu are married women. Gifting colourful bangles to them is considered extremely auspicious and a good omen. It can be anything from the kadas to the choodis, as you and your guests may prefer. Accompanying the bangles with a bangle organiser or pouch can make it more presentable and enthralling.

4. Potli Bags

In the olden times, potli bags were used by females to keep their essentials, keys and money. However, these days, they are used as a commendable return gift option. In order to make the gift more appealing, you can pack trinkets, accessories, dry fruits, chocolates and other such things in them.

5. Jewellery/Accessories

Jewellery is something that never goes out of fashion or is too boring. While, it cannot be much economical to hand out real jewels to all the guests, you can go for feasible accessories and artificial jewellery that falls under your budget. From earrings to anklets, every piece of ornament will be whole-heartedly cherished by the recipient.

What to Gift The Host of a Seemantham Ceremony?

To save you the hassle of searching different websites for gift ideas, this section talks about some of the best Seemantham gift ideas for when you’re invited as a guest. The recipient of the gift will surely be the soon-to-be-mother. Which is why, while looking for something to present to her, one must keep in mind that it should be useful considering the new chapter of her life. The gift ideas that we’ve suggested below are bound to be loved and adored by the new mom.

1. Dry Fruit Box

Fruit hampers are always cliched during Indian functions. Every other person seems to bring a fruit hamper for the hosts. Usually, Seemantham and baby showers are held in the third trimester of the pregnancy, which is the most crucial time for the pregnant lady. Hence, it is important to take utter care of her and ensure that she intakes all the required nutrients.

Which is why, gifting fruits and dry fruits  is extremely common in a Godh Bharai. However, you can stand out from the rest and pick out, new in trend, silver-plated dry fruit boxes. Along with the filled dry fruits, it also serves elegance and luxuriousness, therefore, making for an ideal gift.

2. Newborn Baby Set

This one is another common present suggestion. But, the reason behind it becoming a frequently seen gift is its utility and aptness. Baby shampoos, oils, powders are one of the first things that the new mom will need for her child. Moreover, the sets also come with daily essentials as well as baby onesies, shoes, caps and more. All of them are gentle to the newborns, hence making for one of the most sought after first gifts for them.

3. Silver Spoon

Have you heard the saying, “Born with a silver spoon in mouth”? As much as it is related to being born in a well-off family, it is also connected to the baby’s health. Silver is believed to have antibacterial properties, making the food more nutrient and healthy for the newborn. Gifting a silver spoon at a baby shower ceremony will reflect your thoughtfulness and care towards the soon-to-be-born child. Moreover, it will act as an investment in the baby’s future, as silver’s monetary worth increases with passing time.

4. Nazariya/Evil Eye Bracelet

You must have seen infants wearing silver or black bracelets on their wrists or ankles. It is believed that newborns are more vulnerable to the evil eye. Nazariya bracelets help to protect them from the said evil eye and such spirits. Getting this as a gift will let the soon-to-be-parents know of your love and care for them and their unborn.

5. Photo Frame

The birth of a newborn leads to an enthralling photo session. Numbers of pictures are clicked, hundreds of minutes are recorded. A picture frame will be the new parents’ most searched thing. Blessing them with a picture frame will remind them of you, every time they’ll look at and change the picture in it. To make it more thoughtful and sophisticated, you can go for silver-plated photo frames.

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