Annaprasana

An auspicious occasion where the baby takes the first scoop of solid food in the presence of Gods and thereby acquire blessings for leading a healthy life free from diseases and famine. After completion of this ritual, the child can now be introduced to different foods. This ceremony is done after Namakaranam. It is a very auspicious ceremony and it is considered as the first ritual performed to the child.

Religious Significance of Annaprasana Ceremony

Annaprasana is performed for a healthy and prosperous life of a toddler in the long run. The word meaning of Annaprasana is “Anna” means “food’ mainly boiled rice, “Prasana” means ‘eating’, Totally first rice feeding of the child. This Annaprasana ceremony is done when the baby boy or girl is of fifth to eight months old because during that period child gains strength to digest the solid food or rice. In some situations, where the child to be very weak, that time it is postponed to the next months. Normally for baby girls this ceremony done in odd months, for baby boys done in even months. During that ceremony, some items like pens, books, gold, property papers, food items, flowers, etc are placed on the floor. Whatever the baby picks up to determines their future path in life. Baby father feeds the child, at that time some mantras are chanted to bless the child with good digestive powers, talent and good thoughts.

When Annaprasana Ceremony Can be performed

A date can be selected by consulting a pundit/purohit. Annaprasana is held when the child between five to eight months old. Normally for baby girls this ceremony done in odd months, for baby boys done in even months. This ceremony is not performed when the child is younger than four months. If the baby is very weak this ceremony is performed before the baby's first birthday. A child who has to sprout their first teeth, it signifies that the child's stomach is ready to digest the food. You can perform it in homes or temples.

Advantages of Performing the Annaprasana Ceremony

• It ensures healthy adulthood which implies a prosperous life.
• By performing this ritual aids in protecting the child and increasing the life span of the baby boy or girl.
• The baby bestows the blessing and is trusted that any unwanted things devour during the baby is in the stomach will get cleansed.

Annaprasana FAQ'S

What is the meaning of Annaprasana? The word meaning of Annaprasana is Anna means Rice and Prasana means to feed, totally feeding rice to the child for the first time. When to do Annaprasana for the Child? When the baby has to reach six months from birth, During the time parents feed the food for the first time. This ritual is celebrated as per the gender of the baby birth chart. Why Annaprasana is important? This Annaprasana ceremony is performed for the baby to get blessings from God with good digestive powers, good knowledge, and thoughts. By doing this ritual, God bestows blessings to the child to lead a happy and contented life. What are the various names for Annaprasana? Annaprasana is also known as Namakaranam, rice feeding ceremony, First rice eating ceremony, Grain initiation, Choroonu, etc. Can we do Annaprasana at home? Yes, it is optional, you can perform this ritual at your home or a temple.