జీవిత సంస్కారాలు

అన్నప్రాశన

45 minutes Anyone can perform Morning Priest Recommended
అన్నప్రాశన

Purpose

Annaprashan marks the first feeding of solid food to a baby. It's a celebration of the child's growth and transition from milk to regular food.

Overview

Annaprashan (literally "food feeding") is a joyful ceremony where the baby tastes solid food for the first time. It's usually rice-based kheer or payasam.

**The Ceremony:**
1. Baby is bathed and dressed in new clothes
2. Placed on parent's or grandparent's lap
3. Prayers and aarti performed
4. First food offered - typically sweet rice (kheer)
5. Different items placed before baby - child's first "choice" is observed

**Items Test:** Books, money, jewelry, mud/clay, food - what baby reaches for first is said to indicate their future inclination.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Preparation

Gather all required items and prepare the space.

2
Invocation

Begin with prayers and invocation.

3
Main Ritual

Perform the main ritual as prescribed.

4
Conclusion

Complete with final prayers and distribution.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • • Choose auspicious muhurta
  • • Dress baby in new clothes
  • • Use silver bowl and spoon
  • • Feed sweet first (kheer/payasam)
  • • Take photographs for memories
Don'ts
  • • Don't force feed
  • • Avoid spicy or hard foods
  • • Don't do if baby is unwell
  • • Avoid inauspicious times

Frequently Asked Questions

Babies usually 5-7 months old when ready for solids.

Boys: Even months (6th, 8th). Girls: Odd months (5th, 7th). During auspicious muhurta.

Practices may vary by region, family tradition, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified elders or priests for guidance specific to your situation.
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Materials Needed
Essential
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Rice (Akshat)
  • Kumkum (Sindoor)
  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
  • Diya (Oil Lamp)
  • Cotton Wicks
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