Sixteen Sanskars are Hindu Consecrations; like daily routine, the routine of the life is also regular. Studying the human life since, its birth till death. These beautiful rules, formed by our great sages, are rules for the routine of life. Consecrations are the major part of this routine of life. 

These sixteen consecrations are as follows - 

Parental

1.Garbhdhan Sanskar - which is performed just after marriage and before pregnancy to have a good baby.

2.Punsvan sanskar -which is performed just after pregnancy of second or third month.

3.Seemantonnayan sanskar -in 4th, 6th or in 8th month of pregnancy.

4.Jaatkaram Sanskar -(birth ceremony) just after birth of a baby i.e., the same day.

5.Naamkaran sanskar - (naming ceremony) after 101 days of birth in which name of the baby is announced. 

Childhood 

6.Nishkraman sanskar-when the mother and baby comes out of the house. In the 3rd or 4th month to travel or to go anywhere.

7.Annprasahn sanskar- in the 6th month of the baby after birth on the same day of birth. In this sanskar the baby is allowed to take solid food because up to 5th month baby had been taking milk/water only.

8. Churakaram sanskar - Mundan sanskar in the first or third year.

9. Karanvedh sanskar- ear piercing ceremony. 

Educational 

10.Upnayan sanskar -allowing baby to go school first time.

11.Vedaarambh sanskar -to start study of Vedas in 6to 8 years.

12. Samavartan sanskar- the baby has attained the knowledge of Vedas. It is performed in the age of fourteen years. 

Marriage

13.Vivah sanskar - marriage ceremony.

14.Vanprasth sanskar - in the age of 51 plus.

15.Sanyas sanskar - in the age of 75 plus or at any age when anyone becomes ascetic. 

Death 

16.Anteshti sanskar- When death is imminent, a small piece of gold, tulsi leaf and drops of Ganga water are put in the mouth of the person on the death bed. The body is laid on the ground with the head towards the north. The eldest son generally performs the last rites before which he takes a purificatory bath amidst the chanting of mantras. The dead body is washed, perfumed and wrapped in a new white cloth and decked with flowers. For ten days following death, food is not prepared at home and relatives and friends take the responsibility of getting food for the family.