The traditional Hindu naming ceremony for a newborn, welcoming the child into the family with Vedic prayers and blessings from elders.
Details
Lord Ganesha, Annapurna Devi and the family deity
Annaprashan Sanskar
The traditional ceremony in which a baby is fed their first solid food, usually rice kheer, with Vedic prayers for health and nourishment.
In-person Online available1 to 1.5 hoursAlso: AnnaprashanaAlso: Mukhe Bhaat
Overview
What is Annaprashan Sanskar?
Annaprashan Sanskar marks the moment a baby tastes solid food for the first time. One of the sixteen Hindu sanskars, it is a warm family occasion in which parents, grandparents and relatives gather to bless the child as they begin a new stage of growth.
The ceremony usually includes Ganesh Puja, prayers to Annapurna Devi and the family deity, and the feeding of a small portion of kheer or cooked rice, often by the father, a grandparent or a maternal uncle, depending on family custom. In Bengali homes it is known as Mukhe Bhaat, in Telugu homes as Annaprasana, and in Kerala as Choroonu.
Our Pandits conduct Annaprashan at your home in Varanasi or Hyderabad, keeping it short and relaxed so the baby stays comfortable, and following the order of rituals your family knows.
माङ्गल्यं तन्तुनानेन मम जीवनहेतुना।
कण्ठे बध्नामि सुभगे त्वं जीव शरदां शतम्॥
Māṅgalyaṁ tantunānena mama jīvanahetunā, kaṇṭhe badhnāmi subhage tvaṁ jīva śaradāṁ śatam.
Significance
In Hindu tradition, food is regarded as a gift of the divine, and Annaprashan is the family’s way of offering the child’s first meal with gratitude. Prayers are traditionally made for good digestion, strength and a healthy appetite as the child grows.
Many families also include a playful custom in which the baby is shown a few objects, such as a book, a pen, coins or clay, and the item they reach for is lovingly read as a hint of their interests. It is a light moment that brings the whole family together.
Who performs it
- Parents whose baby is ready to begin solid food
- Families who wish to mark the first meal with Vedic rites
- Bengali, Telugu, Malayali and North Indian families following their own customs
- Parents who could not hold the ceremony earlier and wish to do it now
When to perform
- Traditionally in the sixth month for boys and the fifth or seventh month for girls, as per family custom
- On an auspicious date and time suggested by the Pandit
- Many families choose a date after consulting the child’s paediatrician on starting solids
- Some families hold it at a temple, others at home
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek blessings for the child’s health and nourishment
- Families perform it to welcome the child into a new stage of growth
- Is believed to invoke Annapurna Devi’s grace for a life without want
- Brings grandparents and relatives together to bless the baby
- Keeps a cherished family tradition alive for the next generation
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Ganesh Puja and Sankalp
The ceremony begins with Lord Ganesha’s worship and a sankalp with the parents’ names, gotra and the child’s name.
- 2
Kalash and Annapurna Puja
A kalash is established and prayers are offered to Annapurna Devi and the family deity.
- 3
Offering the Food
The kheer or rice prepared for the baby is first offered to the deities with mantras.
- 4
First Feeding
A family elder, parent or maternal uncle feeds the baby a small portion, as per custom.
- 5
Object Choosing (optional)
Where it is part of the family’s tradition, a few objects are placed before the baby and the family enjoys seeing which one they pick.
- 6
Blessings and Aarti
Elders bless the child, the Pandit concludes with aarti, and prasad is shared.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Kalash, mango leaves and coconut
- Roli, haldi, chandan and kumkum
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers and a garland
- Paan leaves, supari and cloves
- Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Freshly made kheer or payasam for the baby
- A silver bowl and spoon, as per custom
- New clothes for the baby
- Fruits and sweets for prasad
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit for the ceremony
- Sankalp with the parents’ and child’s names and gotra
- Guidance before the day on timing and preparation
- Vidhi as per the family’s regional tradition
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Not included
- Venue, decoration and catering
- The baby’s food, which is best prepared at home
- Travel for Pandits outside the city
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · The family prepares the kheer and a simple altar at home
- · The Pandit guides the puja and mantras live on a video call
- · A parent or elder feeds the baby while the Pandit recites the blessings
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Annaprashan Sanskar across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Annaprashan
- Hindi
- Annaprasana
- Telugu
- Choroonu
- Malayali
- Mukhe Bhaat
- Bengali
- Anna Prashan
- Marathi
- Annaprashana Samskara
- Kannada
- Annaprashan Sanskaar
- Spelling variant
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Annaprashan Sanskar FAQs
At what age is Annaprashan done?
Traditionally around the sixth month, though customs differ between families and communities. Many parents also check with their paediatrician before starting solid food.
What food is given to the baby?
Usually a small portion of kheer or soft cooked rice, prepared at home. Only a taste is given, so the baby is comfortable.
Can Annaprashan be done online?
Yes. The family prepares the food and altar at home and the Pandit guides the puja live on a video call, so relatives elsewhere can join too.
How much does a Pandit for Annaprashan cost?
It depends on the vidhi, samagri and location. Share your date and city on WhatsApp for a quote.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Annaprashan Sanskar
The traditional first haircut ceremony for a child, performed with Vedic prayers, at home or on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.
DetailsWorship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
DetailsA beloved household puja to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayan, with the five-chapter Satyanarayan Katha, commonly held on Purnima or after a happy milestone.
Details
शुभं भवतु
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