Mekhal invitation card
An invitation for the Yagnopavit (sacred thread) ceremony, with Devgon and Mekhal functions.
Mekhal: the Kashmiri Pandit Yagnopavit ceremony, and how to invite for it
Mekhal is the name Kashmiri Pandits give to the upanayana or yajnopavit, the sacred thread ceremony, and to the whole set of rituals around it. The name comes from the mekhala, the girdle of munja grass tied around the boy's waist, although that is only one of the rites.
Traditionally the ceremony marked a boy's entry into formal learning under a teacher. It was held around the age of seven (and optionally up to sixteen); today many families perform it a few days before the boy's wedding instead.
The ceremonies of a Mekhal
Customs differ from family to family, but a Mekhal commonly includes:
- Divagon (Devgon)
- Held a day or two before the main day. Its name means 'the arrival of the gods'. It includes kani-shran, a ritual bath given to the boy, and a havan, the fire ritual, with mantras. The puja and havan traditionally continue into the next day.
- Krul
- The paternal aunt paints decorative vine scrolls, topped with Om, on the outer door while the women sing auspicious songs.
- Mekhala-bandhana and the sacred thread
- On the main day, after the kalash puja, the priest ties the mekhala around the boy's waist. The father places the sacred thread around the boy's neck, and the priest then invests him with the yajnopavit.
- Gayatri mantra
- The priest teaches the boy the Gayatri (Savitri) mantra, the heart of the initiation.
- Bhiksha
- The newly initiated boy asks the gathered relatives for alms, as a student traditionally would. It is one of the most loved moments of the day.
- Koshal hom
- A thanksgiving havan the following day concludes the celebrations.
What to write on a Mekhal invitation card
- An invocation at the top, such as ॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥.
- The ceremony's name: 'Mekhal' or 'Yagnopavit Sanskar'. Many cards use both.
- The boy's name with 'Chi.' (Chiranjeev), for example 'Chi. Aditya Kaul', and often a line naming his grandparents.
- Each function with its date, time and venue. Devgon usually comes first, then the Mekhal day. Add the Koshal hom or a lunch if you're inviting guests to it.
- 'With best compliments from' and the names of the hosting families, and an RSVP name and phone number.
- Send invitations about three to four weeks before the Devgon, so relatives can plan travel.
How to make your Mekhal card
- 1
Start from the example
The card opens with traditional Mekhal wording and Devgon and Mekhal functions filled in.
- 2
Add your details
Change the boy's name, the family names, and the dates, times and venues.
- 3
Choose a design
Heritage and Arch suit a Mekhal especially well. Pick a colour and a size.
- 4
Share it
Download an image to send on WhatsApp, or a PDF to print.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mekhal in Kashmiri Pandit culture?
Mekhal is the Kashmiri Pandit name for the upanayana or yajnopavit (sacred thread) ceremony and all the rituals connected with it. It is named after the mekhala, the girdle tied around the boy's waist.
At what age is Mekhal performed?
Traditionally around the age of seven, and optionally up to sixteen. Today many families hold it a few days before the boy's wedding.
What is Devgon in a Mekhal?
Devgon (Divagon, 'the arrival of the gods') is held a day or two before the main Mekhal. It includes the boy's ritual bath (kani-shran) and a havan, and begins the puja that continues on the Mekhal day.
What should a Mekhal invitation include?
An invocation, the boy's name with 'Chi.', the hosting family's names, each function (usually Devgon and Mekhal) with date, time and venue, and an RSVP contact.
Can I write the card in Hindi?
The invocation already uses Devanagari. Any other line can be typed in Hindi or English as you prefer.
Is my information uploaded or stored anywhere?
No. Everything you type is saved only in your own browser on your device, and the PDF and image are created on your device too. There are no accounts, and nothing is sent to our servers.