Re: Baby showers, godh bharai, etc.
First of all, baby showers are not suppose to be expensive, eloborate type of party in any culture. (so they cannot be compared to weddings)
Most of the baby showers (desi and non desi) that I attended (and mines) were done in people's own residences, only included close family and friends, only included women, had appropriate amount of food. cake for dessert.
I think it's a great little gathering for the moms to be (with games). I see no harm in it if you don't go overboard
Most people do have a baby registry and whatever you can afford you give. It could be baby blanket. It does make shopping for the baby easier. You need SOOO many things that you don't even know about. I still use most of my gifts everyday (baby monitors and high chair).