Annaprashan is the holy ceremony in Hinduism to mark the beginning of a baby’s food intake. In other words, when a baby good starts having things other than mother’s milk, the Annaprasana Sanskar ceremony is held. It is held by offering Kheer to the baby. Hence, this ceremony is popularly known as the First Rice-Eating Ceremony in English. In this article, we will know everything about the Annaprashan ceremony procedure in detail. Annaprasana for baby boys or baby girls is usually the same everywhere.
What is Annaprashan?
Annaprashan is a common Hindu custom marking the transition to solids from consuming a liquid diet. Annaprashan is performed all over India and is known in West Bengal as Mukhe Bhaat, in Kerala as Choroon and in the Garhwal Hills of Himachal Pradesh as Bhath Khulai. After this ritual, the child is weaned from the mother’s milk and begins to eat only solid food.
Right time for Annaprashan Sanskar
Annaprashan is usually done when the baby is around 6 months old as this is when the baby is teething.
Why is the Annaprashan ceremony performed?
Annaprashan is know in South Asia and Iran, dating back to Vedic times. It will take place between the ages of five and nine months depending on the culture or region the parents are from. Traditionally, children younger than four months or more than one year are not eligible for Annaprashan. The significance of this ritual is that the celebration includes various guests, a large venue and catering. At the auspicious time chosen for the occasion, priests are present to perform the Annaprashan mantra.
Why the Annaprasan ceremony is important
Food plays a very important role in our lives because it fuels and strengthens our bodies. For years we dedicate our lives to being able to support ourselves properly. This ritual honours the importance of food in a person’s life and the beginning of its consumption. On the day a child decides to feed well, half the progress is expect. Hence this ceremony should be performe with all the step-by-step Annaprashan Pujan Vidhi (rituals) in a holy environment as it is one of the most important parts of taking care of your baby.
Annaprashan Pujan Vidhi
The Annaprashan ritual begins with babysitting on the lap of his maternal uncle, who is suppose to give him his first proper bite. Other family members feed him more food and shower him with gifts after the child eats the first portion. Things like gold jewellery, pens, books, clay and food are place in front of the child who has to choose one of these items. His preferences reflect his area of interest for the future.
- If he prefers gold jewellery, it means he will be rich.
- he chooses a pen, which means he will be wise.
- If he chooses a book, it means he will study.
- If he chooses clay, it means he will be reward with a trait.
- If he chooses food, it means he will be empathetic and charitable.
Meaning And Procedure of Annaprashan Ceremony
Annaprashan ceremony preparation
It is important to prepare everything before the ceremony so that you do not miss anything at the last minute. In other words, a good plan should be prepare well in advance for the Pooja Samagre (holy items require for rituals). Here is your list of Pooja items:
- Keep a suitable bowl and spoon of Annaprashan. It will be great if you have a silver spoon for the baby to lick the food.
- Also separate these things:
- Kheer made from rice or Rava (Suji)
- Valentine
- Ghee
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) Leaves
- The holy water of the Ganges
Annaprasana subjects should be choose very sincerely. After all, the baby has to be fed for the first time.
Why Kheer is important in Annaprashan
In hindu or vedic tradition, rice grain is preserve for its quality of life and therefore belongs to all religious functions. As a result, kheer (a sweet rice dish) became an important part of all religious rituals. Kheer’s shwet (white) color, which was consider a symbol of purity and divinity, also work in his favor. Kheer or payasam is the first solid food serve to the baby and is therefore an integral part of Annaprashan. It is usually prepare by the mother or grandmother and served to the child in a silver container.
Pujan Patra
Dishes (Patra) play a very important role in our life. Each metal or any type of material used in making the dishes has its own meaning. This can be better understood by considering medications. Some medicines give results when they are store in a certain material. The same goes for food. Utensils should be consider according to diet and body requirements.
A silver spoon is consider best for feeding Kheer to the baby as silver metal is consider most beneficial for the body. So, with well-chosen dishes, the child should be fed. Now let’s see the step-by-step procedure:
- Make a swastika sign on all utensils used for the ritual.
- Offer them Akshat (rice grains), flowers etc.
- Pray now for a positive atmosphere and dishes so that the child gets good food. As you pray, recite this mantra:
ॐ हिरण्मयेन पत्रेण, सत्यस्यापमतखथतिथथिथ्त्रेण
तत्वं पूषन्नपावृणु, सत्यधर्मायथ्यथथ।
oṃ hiraṇmayena pātreṇa, satyasyāpihitaṃ mukham।
tattvaṃ pūṣannapāvṛṇu, satyadharmāya dṛṣṭaye॥
Tips for an unforgettable ceremony
Annaprashansanskar is a safe ceremony, but please observe the following guidelines to ensure it is fun for all.
- It is important to feed your baby with clean hands as infections can easily be contracted at this age.
- Put your child to sleep well in advance so that they are not cranky during the ritual.
- Don’t invite too many guests because your child might be overwhelming.
- Dress your baby in cotton or linen, soft and comfortable clothes. If it gets too cold, keep a sweater or sweater handy.
- If the event is not taking place, keep a toboggan bag well stocked with the essentials.
- Try to avoid decorative work or metallic threads as they can irritate the skin.
- Have your child wear loose clothing so that their tummy does not stick out.
- In order for them to settle in, a separate place for children can be provided.
- Keep your child away from the ritual fire, as the smoke could burn his eyes and throat.
- Make sure there is proper ventilation so guests don’t have to inhale the heat or endure the smoke.
- All guests are welcome to offer refreshments in the form of sweets and dried fruit.
- Don’t forget to make a huge collection of pictures or film the event to document the celebration.
- Annaprashan is a significant event in your child’s life and is the first step in your child’s journey. It resembles the growth of your child. Go ahead and turn your little one’s life opportunity into a significant one!
