Godh bharai is a traditional Indian baby shower celebrated during pregnancy to welcome the unborn baby to the family and bless the mother-to-be with abundant joys of motherhood.In Hindi, godh bharai Iiterally means to ‘fi11 the lap’ with abundance. In Bengal it is known as shaad, in Kerala, seemandham and in Tamil Nadu it is called valakappu.While this ritual is mostly done in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, the time when it is performed may vary by regions and families.

Traditionally, it is celebrated with the women in the family and the mother-to-be is made to feel special by showering her with gifts, a lot of singing and dancing, fun filled games and special foods.

It depends on the community the family belongs to. In some families the ceremony is held when the mother-to-be  completes her seventh month of pregnancy. It is believed that after the seventh month, the baby and mother are in a safe phase. In some families it is celebrated at the end of the eighth month. Some families also choose not to have a godh bharai ceremony and prefer to have a puja only after the birth of the baby.