 Early Times Report
Reasi, Oct 19: For the first time in state of J&K, "Baby Shower/Godh Bharai" ceremony was taken out from households to community platform-in this case Anganwadi Centres.
Behavioral Change one of the primarily most important components of POSHAN (Prime Minister Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan, aiming to reduce malnourishment from nation, which strives to influence the behavior of communities using Community Based Events around malnourishment, has proven to be effective across various strata of societies. Building on this narrative, "Godh Bharai/Baby Shower" supplemented with ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) day was celebrated with anintent of spreading awareness and improving maternal and child health in Anganwadi Centres of Reasi and Arnas Block of District Reasi. Traditionally Speaking, this ceremony is celebrated by all Hindu Families of J&K with variations across different cultures. However, this ceremony has always been confined to squared walls of Individual Households and among their relatives. This ceremony was brought out on community platform for creating awareness among communities around Mother's Health and their dietary diversification during Pregnancy. Generally, during this ceremony a woman's lap (Godh) is filled with money, dress, and other ornamental accessories. In context of Anganwadi centres, this event was celebrated differently by inviting pregnant women in their third trimester and their laps were filled with green-leafy vegetables, lemons, Indian gooseberries (Amla), and lentils which are good sources of Iron and Iron-enhancers. Speaking on this occasion, PO ICDS Reasi emphasized to Workers, PW&LM, and elderly women on introducing and implementing "Happiness Curriculum" in AWCs. In context of AWCs, He explained "Happiness Curriculum" as providing mental and physical peace of mind to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother. |
