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Take a look at Samantha’s intimate ‘baby shower’ in Tamil tradition

Prothom Alo English Desk
Various rituals in South Indian culture are still rooted in ancient beliefs, family bonds and blessings. One such traditional Tamil ritual is ‘Udhaka Shanti Snanam’.
The word ‘Udhaka Shanti’ essentially means seeking peace or well-being through holy water. South Indian star Samantha Ruth Prabhu also observed this ritual during her pregnancy.
The use of holy water and the chanting of mantras are important parts of this ritual. In an intimate ceremony held at home on 15 September, Samantha and her unborn child were blessed with prayers and holy water to ward off evil and wish them peace, good health and well-being.
Tamil culture has several rituals associated with pregnancy and the arrival of a child. Among them, ‘Valaikappu’ is particularly significant. During Valaikappu, the expectant mother is adorned with glass bangles and flowers, and blessings are offered for the well-being of both mother and unborn child. The ritual was also observed at Samantha’s ceremony.
Family members and relatives gathered for Samantha’s religious and cultural ceremony to offer their good wishes to the expectant mother. The event was held to strengthen her emotionally and celebrate the arrival of a new life.
Pregnancy rituals have different regional forms across the Indian subcontinent — ‘Sadh’ in Bengal and Valaikappu in South India, for example. Under the influence of Western culture, the most familiar name is ‘baby shower’. Although the names and rituals differ, the underlying wish is the same: the mother’s well-being, a safe delivery and the baby’s health and happiness. That is what was celebrated at Samantha’s home.
News of Samantha’s pregnancy became public in June 2026.
On 24 June 2026, Samantha herself confirmed her pregnancy at an event celebrating the success of the film ‘Maa Inti Bangaaram’. The actress said she would be taking maternity leave for some time.
Photos and videos shared on social media show Samantha wearing a deep yellow kameez-churidar, with flowers in her hair, sitting in an open space decorated with flowers and lamps as she took part in various religious rituals.
Four years after her divorce from Naga Chaitanya in 2021, Samantha married filmmaker Raj Nidimoru on 1 December 2025.
If everything goes according to plan, a new member will join Samantha and Raj’s family in early December 2026.
Fashion designer and Samantha’s friend Shilpa Reddy was present with her at the ceremony. She personally oversaw and arranged the event.
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