Some reformist voices within the Dawoodi Bohra community (e.g., members of the Bohra Youth movement) have questioned the cost of large chhathi feasts, arguing that the money could be given directly to the poor. The current Da‘i al-Mutlaq, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS), has encouraged simplicity: “The barakah lies in the niyyah (intention), not in the extravagance of the tablecloth.” Many families now host “green chhatthis” – using biodegradable plates, avoiding food waste, and donating leftover food to shelters.
Another modern shift is the inclusion of the child’s health checkup on the same day, combining religious ritual with pediatric care. Community health workers in Mumbai and Karachi now partner with jamaat (congregation) leaders to offer free checkups on chhathi day.
Chatti Rasam is a traditional Dawoodi Bohra ceremony held on the sixth day after a child’s birth. It marks the completion of the maternal postpartum period and celebrates the newborn’s formal introduction to family and community. This document provides a concise, respectful overview of the ritual’s significance, typical proceedings, participant roles, and suggestions for creating a clear, shareable PDF guide.
Note: The Chatti ceremony is typically performed on the 6th day after a child's birth. It involves the preparation of a special sweet dish (Chatti) offered to the Dargah of Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed (QR) in Galiyakot, invoking blessings for the child's health and protection from evil.
Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem
Allaho Akbar, Allaho Akbar, Allaho Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
(Preparation & Niyyat) The Chatti (sweet porridge made of wheat, milk, ghee, and sugar/jaggery) is prepared. Niyyat (Intention): "I intend to offer this Chatti to the Roza Mubarak of Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed (QR) for the health, protection, and well-being of my child, [Child's Name]."
Salawaat: Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin wa Aale Muhammad.
(Recitation while offering) This is typically recited when placing the Chatti towards the Qibla or when sending it to the Dargah via a representative.
Du'a: Translation/Sentiment: "O Allah, by the wasila of Syedi Fakhruddin Shaheed (QR), accept this offering and protect this child from all calamities, evil eyes, and illness. Grant the child a long, healthy, and prosperous life in the service of Dawat."
Ganj-ul-Asrar (The Treasure of Secrets): It is customary to recite Surahs or specific verses seeking protection. The following is often recited for protection:
A'uzu bikalimatillahit-tammati min kulli shaitanin wa hammatin wa min kulli aynin lammah. (I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every evil eye.)
For the Complete Rasam (Detailed Steps):
If you require the full, detailed ceremonial procedure including the specific Quranic verses designated for the 6th day (often found in the Jannati Chhe Mehman or Tohfatul Hawashi references), it is highly recommended to obtain the official PDF from the following sources, as they contain the exact Arabic Quranic text required for the ritual: dawoodi bohra chatti rasam pdf
The Chatti Rasam is a significant cultural and naming ceremony celebrated by the Dawoodi Bohra community on the sixth night following the birth of a newborn. This traditional event brings together family and friends to offer blessings (barakat) and officially announce the baby's name. The Significance of Chatti
In Dawoodi Bohra tradition, the Chatti ceremony serves as one of the child's first major life milestones. It is rooted in the philosophy of "preserving the old and embracing the new," ensuring that family bonds remain closely knit from the very beginning of a child's life. The ritual is primarily dedicated to praying for the health, well-being, and prosperous future of both the mother and the newborn. Core Rituals and Traditions
The ceremony involves several specific steps and participants:
The Naming Rite: The paternal aunt traditionally plays a pivotal role in the naming ceremony. The chosen name is often written on rice by a priest or an elder, and the father then whispers the name into the baby's ears three times.
Spiritual Protection: Following birth, it is customary to recite the Azaan in the child's right ear and the Iqaamat in the left to protect them from negative influences.
The Chatti Tokri: Families often prepare or purchase a "Chatti Tokri," which is a curated basket containing essentials for the ceremony. These items often include new clothes for the baby, often in yellow or red, and symbolic gifts like honey.
Gifts and Offerings: Maternal and paternal grandparents typically gift jewels and clothes to the parents and the newborn. Fruits and other gifts may also be distributed as sadqa (charity) or hadiya (gifts) according to the family's means. Gathering and Celebration
Family Competition: Some sub-traditions, like the Ku Kutwanu or Katha, involve lighthearted "rivalries" among aunts who compete in joyful tasks like grinding ingredients, accompanied by the drumming of thaalis.
Communal Dining: Like most Bohra celebrations, food is central. After the naming, guests are often served juices or coffee, followed by an elaborate breakfast or lunch.
PDF Resources: For detailed procedural guides, community members often refer to documents like the Rusumaate Dawat, which outlines the spiritual rites and physical care for the newborn as prescribed by tradition. Rusumaate Dawat PDF - Scribd
Chatti Rasam (also known as Rusumaat-e-Chhatti ) is a traditional naming ceremony in the Dawoodi Bohra community performed on the
after a child's birth. The ceremony is deeply rooted in both religious significance and family bonding, centered around the formal announcement of the child's name and seeking blessings for their future. Core Rituals of Chatti Rasam According to the community guidelines found in the Rusumaat-e-Daawat Guide (PDF) , the ceremony involves several specific steps: Role of the Paternal Aunt (Faiji):
typically leads the naming ceremony. She whispers the name into the baby's right and left ears. The Naming: Ideally, the name is obtained from the Dai az Zaman (the spiritual leader) or a person holding his (permission). Sacred Tastes: makes the baby taste khaake shifa (sacred soil) as a symbolic first nourishment. Prayers & Protection: Some reformist voices within the Dawoodi Bohra community (e
Specific Quranic verses are recited during the ritual, including: Suratul Ikhlaas (Qul hoval laho ahad) Suratun Naas Surat ul Falaq The baby's name is announced to the family followed by Mubarakbadi (congratulations). Ceremonial Preparations Rusumaate Dawat (PDF) outlines the following physical requirements for the day: The Basket:
A basket is placed under the baby's cradle all night, containing the Quran near the baby's head. Offerings:
The basket must not be returned empty; it is traditionally filled with 7 vaatis of Sukha Khopra (dried coconut halves). Traditional Food:
(a sweet dish made with edible gum) is prepared to mark the happy occasion, with some given to the when she departs. Significance and Beliefs Spiritual Cleansing: The community believes that following these
disciplines cleanses the individual physically and spiritually. Family Unity:
The ceremony emphasizes the role of extended family. New mothers are nurtured by parents and relatives, often staying in their mother's home during this period for better well-being. Record Keeping:
It is traditionally noted that the midwife who receives the baby becomes a
(blood relative) to a baby boy, creating a lifelong family bond that must be recorded.
For more comprehensive digital resources, you can find prayer collections and community guidelines on the Dawoodi Bohra App Dawoodi Bohra Hafti app on Google Play. Google Play traditional names often chosen for these ceremonies or more details on the Mithi Shitaabi custom performed before birth? Rusumaate Dawat PDF - Scribd
The Secret Recipe of Chatti Rasam
In the bustling streets of Mumbai, there was a small, unassuming eatery tucked away in a quiet alley. The sign above the door read "Dawoodi Bohra's Chatti Rasam" in elegant, cursive script. For years, locals and food enthusiasts alike had been drawn to this hidden gem, seeking a taste of the legendary Chatti Rasam, a traditional Dawoodi Bohra dish.
The story went that the recipe for Chatti Rasam had been passed down through generations of Dawoodi Bohra women, originating from the Bohras' ancestral home in Gujarat. The dish was said to have been created as a comfort food for the community's sailors and traders, who would return from long voyages and seek solace in the warm, spicy broth.
As I pushed open the door, I was greeted by the aroma of simmering spices and the friendly smile of Mrs. Patel, the owner. She welcomed me with a warm namaste and invited me to sit down at a small table. As I waited for my food, I noticed a framed photograph on the wall, depicting a group of Dawoodi Bohra women gathered around a steaming pot of Chatti Rasam. Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem Allaho Akbar, Allaho
Mrs. Patel noticed my interest and began to share the story of her grandmother, Fatima, who had been the original creator of the recipe. "Fatima was a remarkable woman," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "She spent years perfecting the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients until she created the perfect balance of flavors."
According to Mrs. Patel, the key to Chatti Rasam lay in the use of a special blend of spices, known as "Chatti Masala," which was unique to the Dawoodi Bohra community. The masala was said to contain a secret combination of ingredients, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom, which were ground together in a specific ratio to create the signature flavor.
As I waited for my Chatti Rasam to arrive, I asked Mrs. Patel if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled and nodded, saying, "I can give you the recipe, but you must promise to keep it a secret. The Bohras have guarded this recipe for generations, and it's only shared with those who are willing to respect the tradition."
I promised to keep the recipe confidential, and Mrs. Patel handed me a small, dog-eared notebook containing the recipe in her own handwriting. As I scanned the pages, I noticed that the recipe was remarkably simple, yet elegant in its complexity.
The recipe, which I have transcribed below, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Dawoodi Bohra community:
Chatti Rasam Recipe
Ingredients:
Chatti Masala Recipe:
Instructions:
As I sipped the steaming hot Chatti Rasam, I was struck by the complexity of flavors and the depth of tradition that had gone into creating this dish. The broth was both soothing and invigorating, a true testament to the power of food to bring people together.
As I finished my meal and prepared to leave, Mrs. Patel handed me a small packet of Chatti Masala, saying, "Remember, this is a secret recipe. Use it wisely, and pass it down to future generations with the same love and care that Fatima showed."
And with that, I left the eatery, feeling grateful for the experience and the trust that had been placed in me. The secret of Chatti Rasam was now mine to guard, and I vowed to respect the tradition and share it with others who would appreciate its rich history and flavors.
For a PDF resource on the Dawoodi Bohra Chatti Rasam (a traditional ceremony typically held on the 6th day after childbirth), here are good features to include:
While a PDF checklist is helpful for logistics, the heart of the Chatti Rasam is the Nassihat (advice and blessings) given to the new parents.
It is a moment where the Muwasasa (community bonding) is on full display. The elder ladies of the family and community play a vital role, guiding the new mother, ensuring she is comfortable, and performing the ritual dances (Raas) that celebrate the arrival of the new life.