Upanayanam, also known as the White Thread Ceremony (Poonal Kalyanam), is a sacred ritual performed for a boy when he is ready to embark on his educational and spiritual journey. This ceremony marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, as the boy is initiated into the study of Vedic mantras and other sacred knowledge, symbolizing a new phase in his life. It is an important milestone that connects the individual to his spiritual and cultural heritage.