Gujrati Baby Shower | St. Mary’s Cathedral, SF
Swati and Shivam celebrated a traditional Gujarati baby shower followed by the cutest Matka gender reveal. The theme centered on Krishna motifs, peacock feathers, and colorful matkas, with beautiful decor by Aakruti, Pallavi Event Designer and Planner. We captured portraits of the couple and family group photos before the ceremony began. The mother-to-be walked down the aisle toward the pooja stage, playfully tossing coins and money while all the sister-in-laws (nanads) collected them — a lighthearted tradition symbolizing wishes for abundance, health, and prosperity.
After the pooja there was an exchange of coconuts between the mother-to-be and the participating women; each exchange is carefully placed into the pallu, a scarf tied around the pregnant woman’s waist, to ensure nothing falls to the floor. Following each exchange the sister-in-law or the other woman circles the mother-to-be, and this ritual is repeated seven times. Then the brother-in-law (devar) gently presses vermilion-dipped fingers to the mother-to-be’s cheeks in a playful, symbolic gesture — a light “slap” reminding her not to forget him now that she is expecting.
The gender reveal was the sweetest moment: the matka revealed they are having a boy. Festivities wrapped up with cake cutting and a celebratory lunch shared with family and friends.
Decor by Aakruti Seizing the moments
