Samskaras are traditional rites of passage in Hindu culture that mark significant life events. They are rituals performed at various stages of life, from birth to death, and are believed to purify the individual and prepare them for the next phase of existence. Each samskara is designed to instill values, promote spiritual growth, and strengthen family and community bonds. There are 16 primary samskaras, including Namakarana (naming ceremony), Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), and Antyesti (funeral rites). These rituals often involve prayers, offerings, and specific actions that symbolize the transition and transformation of the individual, reflecting the importance of spiritual and social development in Hindu philosophy.