Sanskar
Karnavedha
Piercing the ears, an old custom of both ornament and care.
When
In infancy or childhood; in many homes, along with mundan.
Karnavedha is not compulsory for every community. Where it is done, gold or silver in the ear carries both ornament and an old idea of health. Some houses pierce only girls; some pierce every child.
Today it asks for a clean needle and a practised hand. Understand the meaning, and do not add a rite your family does not keep.
This is a general introduction. Sequence, materials, and timing change with family, region, and shakha. Your priest and your own custom have the last word.