The Hindu Samsk?ra are a series of sacraments, sacrifices and rituals that serve as rites of passage and mark the various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular Ashrama. All human beings, especially the Dvija (twice-born) are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for gods, ancestors and guardians in accordance with the Vedic dictums for the fulfilment of Dharmic life (righteous life)

Sanskar is a commonly used prak?ut variant of the Sanskrit word 'Samskara' and signifies cultural heritage and upbringing in the modern Hindi language

Most Vedic rituals consist of Homa (fire sacrifices) of elaborate and intrinsic designs and complex methodology, accompanied by recitation of Vedas by a qualified Priests in honour of a particular demigod, fire offerings of various ingredients, gifts to be given in charity, presence of elders for blessings, amidst sanctified sacrificial grounds, sacred herbs and good omens. Each important milestone of a human life is to be celebrated by undertaking a particular Samsk?ra wherein the significance of that milestone is ritualistically conveyed

All Hindus follow the prescribed Samsk?ras as a part of their way of life such in milestones such as pregnancy, childbirth, education, marriage, and death. The major Samsk?ras are 16 in number; generally known as Shodhasa Samskaras (sixteen sacrements)