Culture / THREAD CEREMONY

The sacred thread ceremony is a Hindu initiation ceremony that marks the passage to maturity for boys of the upper three castes; it usually takes place between the ages of five and twelve. During the ceremony, an initiate is made to wear the Yajñopavitam (sacred thread) on the body. The thread is circular, being tied end-to-end (only one knot is permissible); it is normally supported on the left shoulder (savya) and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm.