What are sanskars or samskars?

Sanskars means the actions that purify, refine or reform. Sanskars help Hindus in their spiritual evolution. Like traffic signs on highways, they give them direction to human life at every crucial stage of development. Sixteen ceremonies are prescribed for Hindus follow only the major ceremonies: Jatakarm (welcoming the newly born child to this world), Namkarn (Name-giving), Choodkarm (first head-shaving ceremony), Upanayan (initiation of spiritual education and vow of celibacy during the studentship), Vivah (Wedding) and Antyesthi (Funeral).