Life Ceremonies — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Annaprashana Ceremony
Annaprashana is the sacred Hindu rite of first feeding, performed when a baby is introduced to solid food for the first time — typically at 6 months for boys and 5 or 7 months for girls. This Shodasha Samskara marks a major milestone in the child's life. The ceremony involves prayers to Annapurna Devi (goddess of food and nourishment) and Lord Vishnu, followed by the child's first taste of cooked rice or kheer (rice pudding) offered by a senior family member or the father.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Ensures the child's healthy physical growth and strong digestion, invokes blessings for lifelong nourishment, removes obstacles to the child's well-being, and strengthens the bond between the family and divine forces of sustenance.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Set up a clean altar with images of Annapurna Devi and Lord Vishnu. Perform Ganesh Puja first to remove obstacles. Recite Annaprashana mantras and invoke blessings. Prepare kheer or cooked rice. The father or a senior elder feeds the first spoonful to the child. Family members offer blessings and gifts. Conclude with aarti and distribution of prasad.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Auspicious muhurat as per the child's birth chart. Generally performed in the 5th, 6th, or 7th month. Avoid Amavasya and inauspicious tithis.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Kheer or cooked rice
- ·Silver or gold spoon
- ·Annapurna Devi image
- ·Vishnu idol or image
- ·Ghee
- ·Honey
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Flowers
- ·Camphor
- ·New clothes for baby
FAQ
Q.What is Annaprashana Ceremony?
Annaprashana is the sacred Hindu rite of first feeding, performed when a baby is introduced to solid food for the first time — typically at 6 months for boys and 5 or 7 months for girls. This Shodasha Samskara marks a major milestone in the child's l...
Q.What are the benefits of Annaprashana Ceremony?
Ensures the child's healthy physical growth and strong digestion, invokes blessings for lifelong nourishment, removes obstacles to the child's well-being, and strengthens the bond between the family and divine forces of sustenance.
Q.What is the best time to perform Annaprashana Ceremony?
Auspicious muhurat as per the child's birth chart. Generally performed in the 5th, 6th, or 7th month. Avoid Amavasya and inauspicious tithis.
Q.What materials are needed for Annaprashana Ceremony?
Kheer or cooked rice, Silver or gold spoon, Annapurna Devi image, Vishnu idol or image, Ghee, Honey, Incense sticks, Flowers, Camphor, New clothes for baby.