Before this he is not really a member of the caste and may eat any kind of food.

The initiation is called by the Brahmans the second birth, and appears to be the birth of the soul or spirit.

After it the boy will eat the sacrificial food at the caste feasts and be united with the members of the caste and their god.

The bodies of children who have not been initiated are buried and not burnt.

The reason seems to be that their spirits will not go to the god nor be united with the ancestors, but will be born again.