Written by Editorial Team
The literal translation of Annaprasana (Sanskrit: अन्नप्राशन, Annaprāśana, Bengali: অন্নপ্রাসান, Onnoprashon) is anna = rice, and Prasanna = to enter. Annaprasana means introducing solid food to the child, i.e. feeding rice or solid food for the first time. After this ritual is carried out, the child now can be introduced to different foods.
Annaprasana is done after the ‘Namakaran’ ceremony and is considered auspicious because the baby can now have solid foods. Basically the first rice-eating ceremony, in India, Annaprasana is celebrated across the length and the breadth of the country, called ‘choroonu’ in Kerala, ‘mukhe bhaat’ in Bengal, and ‘bhaatkhulai’ in the Garhwal hills.
In This Article
Annaprasana is held when the child is around six months and before he turns one and also when the child is ready to convert his diet from liquid to solid. For boys, it is held on even months like a sixth or eighth month and for girls, it is held during odd months like a fifth or seventh month. As per the Grihyasutras, Annaprasana sanskar should be performed when the child is between six and seven months old, and not at all younger than 4 months.
If the child is weak, the ceremony can be performed later. However, this ceremony must be completed before a child’s first birthday – as it is not wise not to feed the child solids till then. A child who has sprouted his first set of teeth is ideal as it signifies that the little one’s stomach is ready to digest the food.
Annaprasana is held at a temple or at home, a priest is called to conduct the ceremony and he recites religious rites and prayers and even a ‘havan’ is performed on this day, then the elder family member or child’s father then feeds the baby with the first solid food which is generally made of rice, ghee, and sugar or jaggery. In some cultures, a rice pudding known as Kheer is fed to the baby.
After this is done a fun-filled game is held, and certain objects are kept in front of the baby where each resembles or signifies something to do with the baby’s future. It is believed that the first object which is picked up by the baby symbolizes the baby’s future. So the objects that are placed are:
The baby is then encouraged or cheered to go and pick one of the items. Many jokes are cracked and many aspirations are formed. It is a proud moment for the parents as the baby has completed his transition from being a new born to an infant. The ceremony is then followed by lunch or dinner for family and close friends.
Here are a few tips so that the baby has a fun time with family and friends
Read Also: Introducing Solid Foods For Kids
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
M
madhusudhan reddy
Mar 16, 2017
If the baby have caught flowers on first time so is that baby will be in ?
K
Krishna
Oct 24, 2016
Question : My son was born on 29th July 2016. So when is the annaprasanam date?
T
TEAM BTP
May 25, 2016
:) Love to the little guy!
P
Priy@sekhar
May 18, 2016
Yeah!(my experience) Even my baby boy touched the same one in his third attempt.. Now he is just three years old but is very sharp and intellectual.. His grasping power is very surprising.. Though his mother tongue is Telugu, speaks English words and repeats everything very fluently..
L
Lohitha
Mar 12, 2016
If the baby have caught the pen on third time so is that baby will be good in studies?
S
Swati C Sharma
Jul 18, 2015
Hi, There is no customary gift that can be given to the child, so you can opt for anything like a toy, dress, or even cash. Close family members do give silver/gold items like coins or Idols , commonly Ganesha, as this ceremony marks a new beginning in a child's life.
C
Caroline Birenbaum
Jul 17, 2015
Question: What kind of gifts are appropriate for an annaprasana? We have been invited to one and have not attended such an event before.
A
AstroShine
Apr 10, 2015
In India, we meant about all the rituals by a baby birth. Annaprashna is also a kind of indian vedic astrology riutual which is done to make your baby first rice feeding well.
Top Activities For a 9 Month Old Baby – Benefits and Tips For Parents
Can Babies Eat Pickles – When and How to Introduce
Psoriasis and Breastfeeding – Is it Safe, Treatment & Tips to Manage
Kissing a Baby – Is it Safe?
Top 8 Adorable Baby Girl Photoshoot Ideas at Home
Tips for Dressing Your Baby as Lord Krishna
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.