Samaskara in Hinduism is any of the personal sacraments traditionally observed at every stage of life, from the moment of conception to the scattering of one's funeral ashes. The observance of the samskaras is based on custom and on such texts as the Puranas, and differs considerably according to region, caste or family. The most generally accepted list of 16 traditional samakaras includes ceremonies for conception, a male birth, name-giving the Upanayana and marriage. There is also a body of noncanonical samskaras performed by and for the benefit of women.

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