"Karna Puthali"

"Karna Puthali" is a traditional process in certain Indian communities, especially in Kerala, used to determine the gender of a newborn. It involves a ritual where a small black or white thread is tied to the baby's wrist or ankle. If the thread turns black, the child is believed to be male ("Karna Puthali" refers to the son of Karna, a mythological warrior). If it remains white, the child is considered female. The practice is rooted in cultural beliefs and has historical significance, though it is not scientifically validated.