Pallada: The Sweetest Start
Kalyan Blog
The first tooth is always a moment of delight – a tiny glint that marks a child’s earliest milestone. Across India, families have their own ways of celebrating this occasion, and in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it is honoured through a charming tradition known as Pallada. Rooted in food, family and symbolism, this ceremony brings together loved ones to welcome the little one’s next stage of growth with gentle rituals, stories and meaningful gifts.
The occasion of Pallada takes its name from its namesake sweet, which translates to “tooth steamed sweet” – a note to the readers: no actual teeth are involved in its preparation. The shape of the sweet may vary depending on the region, but it almost always features a rich coconut filling encased in a smooth outer layer of rice dough. A charming detail lies in the decoration – the “pallu” teeth, crafted from tiny chips of fresh coconut placed neatly along the edges of the sweet.
The preparation for the sweet happens the night before. Taking turns to stir the filling and shape the dough, the evening is filled with sweet laughter as everyone reminisces about how quickly children grow. The air smells faintly of coconut and rice flour, and hands move in rhythm as stories and recipes flow. They are dressed casually, but come morning, everyone will appear in traditional finery.
Once the sweets are ready, they are offered to the family deity before being shared among everyone present. It is a heartfelt gesture, representing blessings for the baby’s health and well-being. Sometimes the child is sat on their parents’ lap and offered sweets. Oftentimes, it’s given to them by family members. The elders whisper silent prayers as they feed the little one a morsel of the soft, fragrant treat, wishing them a life filled with comfort, love, and prosperity.
The highlight of the ceremony comes next. A selection of objects is placed before the child, each representing a life path or quality. A book for wisdom, gold jewellery or money for wealth, toys for creativity and happiness and the sweet representing abundance. In some homes, symbolic items like a pen or chilanga (dance anklets) are also added. Family members watch eagerly as the baby reaches forward, laughing and cheering as their tiny hand settles on one object. It is believed that the child’s choice offers a glimpse into the qualities they will embody or the path they will follow in life. Whether they grab at a shiny gold chain, a colourful toy, or the comforting weight of a book, the moment is one of pure wonder and affection.
Gold jewellery holds a special place in this celebration. It is not just an adornment but a part of the ritual itself. Tiny gold chains glint against soft baby skin, delicate baby bangles slide onto plump wrists, and sometimes even anklets are added for a gentle, musical touch. These pieces are often part of family gold traditions, passed down lovingly through generations. In many homes, the child is also gifted a pair of gold stud earrings as a token of love from their loved ones, a reward for enduring the pain of teething.
For parents, choosing these little treasures is a moment of reflection and affection. Some prefer cute jewellery inspired by animal and flower patterns. In contrast, others lean towards a modern touch with rose gold jewellery or diamond jewellery that the baby can wear daily. Whatever the design, each piece of jewellery becomes a keepsake, holding memories of a day steeped in warmth and tradition.
What makes Pallada so distinctive is how it brings together the warmth of family gatherings with the timeless charm of traditional rituals and jewellery. Black bead jewellery, for instance, is often worn to protect the child from the evil eye and ward off misfortune, a small yet powerful emblem of care and belief. The same thoughtfulness extends to every detail, whether it’s black and gold bead newborn bracelets that glitter against tiny wrists or finely crafted gold chain designs that can be worn time and time again as the child grows.
Across the seas, similar customs unfold under different names. In Armenia, Romania, and Turkey, families also mark the appearance of a child’s first tooth with symbolic offerings and heartfelt wishes. Sri Lankans also celebrate the occasion in a very similar fashion; their event is nearly identical in name, called Pallu Kollukatai. Though the sweets and rituals may differ, the essence remains the same. It is a reminder that families everywhere celebrate milestones through shared customs, food, and small tokens of affection.
More than a ceremony, Pallada is a reflection of love expressed through thoughtful rituals and meaningful ornaments. It is about generations gathered together, sharing laughter as they celebrate the precious child that stole their heart while keeping their traditions alive.
To win Parent of the Year – or even the position of favourite aunt or uncle – head to Kalyan Jewellers and discover the perfect gifting choice for Pallada, whether it’s for your little one or a loved one in the family.
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