Welcoming a Newborn: Chhatti & Aqiqah

In the Dawoodi Bohra community, the arrival of a baby is marked with love, gratitude, and beautiful traditions that blend religious rites with cultural heritage. Two ceremonies—the Chhatti (held on the sixth day) and the Aqiqah (usually on the seventh day)—symbolize the baby’s introduction into the faith and community.

These rituals are carried out with care, reverence, and celebration—often led by the baby’s paternal aunt, who holds a special place in these customs.

Chhatti Ceremony (6th Day)

1. Preparation with Wudhoo (Ablution)

Before beginning the Chhatti ceremony, it is recommended for the person leading the ritual—traditionally the paternal aunt—to perform wudhoo (ablution). This honors the sanctity of the azaan that follows.

2. Recitation of Azaan

The ceremony starts with the recitation of two types of azaan:

• A moti (long) azaan is softly recited into the baby’s right ear.

• A nani (short) azaan is recited into the baby’s left ear.

3. Writing Arabic Letters

After the azaan, the following letters are inscribed on the baby’s ears using kohl (black eyeliner pencil or surma):

• The Arabic letter و (waaw) is written behind the right ear.

• The Arabic letter ن (noon) is written behind the left ear.

4. Feeding Khaki Shifa & Ghor

A small amount of khaki shifa and ghor (natural sweetener like jaggery) is gently placed on the baby’s lips—symbolizing sweetness, healing, and the spiritual blessings of the shifa.

5. Dressing the Baby in White

The baby is then changed into new white clothes—usually a white dress or kurta pajama set. These clothes, along with optional accessories like a hat, socks, and shoes, are traditionally gifted by the paternal aunt. Dressing in white symbolizes purity and a fresh beginning.

6. Reciting the Traditional Chant

The most joyful part of the ceremony is the chant recited as the baby is introduced:

Pippar Paan, [city, province and/or country] Ghaam, Faiji Pairoh [baby’s name]

Traditionally, the aunt would choose and announce the name, often as a surprise to everyone. In modern times, parents usually select the name and inform the aunt, who continues the tradition by being the first to say it aloud in the chant.

Aqiqah Ceremony (7th Day)

Held on the following day, the Aqiqah marks a second milestone in the baby’s welcome.

1. Shaving the Baby’s Head

As is tradition, the baby’s head is carefully shaved on this day. The hair is usually collected, weighed, and its equivalent value in silver is given in sadaqah (charity) as a symbol of purification and generosity.

2. Sacrificial Offering

A sheep or goat is sacrificed, and the meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate. This act is considered a way to give thanks and seek blessings for the newborn’s health and future.

These rituals, filled with love and reverence, provide a meaningful way to celebrate new life while anchoring it in the spiritual values and customs of the Dawoodi Bohra community.