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It is customary in the Bedis to follow a ritual ceremony called ‘Jhandian’, which is an alternate of the Mundan ceremony in the Hindus. The genesis of the ceremony is probably due to the ritualistic traditions of Hinduism yet continuing in some manner amongst the Sikh rural folks in Punjab and also because of the cultural upbringings together. How this ceremony started amongst the Bedis is not clearly known. In Sikhs, the hairs are not shorn as ‘Kesh’ are a part of the five Ks that a Sikh retains as Khalsa symbols, as ordained by the 10th Guru. Accordingly, as an alternate equivalent to the Mundan ceremony of a Hindu child, Jhandian ceremony is performed on a Bedi Sikh male child.
This ceremony takes place during the odd years of an infant / child ie 1st / 3rd / 5th year. The ritual involves washing the hair of the child, drying the same and thereafter combing the hair to tie a knot on top of the head in the form of a “Joorha” and a Mauli (thread) is tied around the knotted hair. The hairs that come off on the comb are taken out and the Mauli tied on the knotted hair is cut and thereafter the cut Mauli along with the removed hair, from the comb, are placed on two half baked rotis (Chapattis). These are then placed in the lap of the Sister and thereafter taken and washed away in flowing water. The ceremony is preceded by the customary Ardaas to the Wahe Guru. The paternal and maternal relatives of the child are invited for the ceremony and a Langar is served to the guests. This is an occasion for the extended family to get together and meet everyone.
It is ironic that Guru Nanak shunned rituals and yet the descendents of the great Guru follow the village rituals that are prevailing even at this time. Jhandian ceremony is performed on a child during the first five years and a few years later when the child is of an age for tying a Turban, the Dastaar Bandi ceremony is performed which is in keeping with the tradition set by the 10th Guru and followed by all Sikhs.
Jhandian Ceremony of Baba Rupinder Singh and Baba Maninder Singh , 15th Generation, at Rohtak, Haryana in 1956.
Jhandian Ceremony of Baba Ishaan Singh, Baba Tegh Singh, both 16th Generations, at Defence Colony, New Delhi
