9. Karṇavedha
Ear-piercing
Karṇavedha is the piercing of the ears, done in the early years — anywhere from infancy to about the fifth year, depending on custom. Traditionally both boys and girls had it; it is still common for girls everywhere and for boys in several South Indian communities.
It is often done with a small prayer, sometimes combined with the muṇḍan. Today families usually have it done hygienically by a doctor or trained jeweller after a short pūjā at home.
Infancy to ~5 years