Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS) 

Udupi, Jul 29: Generally sweets are distributed when a child is born in a house. During the naming ceremony, hundreds of guests are invited and sumptuous food is served. However, in the district of Udupi, all the invitees who attended the naming ceremony of a child were given green gifts. 

The unique celebration was witnessed in Mattu village of the district. All the invitees were asked their star signs and given plants accordingly. The programme was the naming ceremony of the son born to Praveen Tantri, the priest of Vishnumurthy temple. He had offered food to all the villagers. After the guests ate sumptuous food, they were given various types of plants. Even while distributing the plants, the priest showed religious sense by giving guests plants, according to their star signs.

Naveen Tantri, a religious scholar, says, "Our star signs and the plants around us have a connection. If we plant trees according to our horoscope, it will help in keeping us free from the diseases that may affect our health. Those born under Bharani star should plant gooseberry, those who have Rohini star should plant blueberry tree, for Punarvasu star bamboo is auspicious and for Pushya star peepal tree is good. There are different varieties of plants for 27 different stars signs in our horoscope." 

Praveen Tantri, the father of the child says that the newborn child should keep the surroundings of the village cool, in addition to bringing light in the house. His vision is lauded by all the guests who attended the naming ceremony of the child. As the guests will tend the plants given to them in the presence of God Vishunumurthy, with care and devotion, it will help in conserving the environment.