Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony)

Annaprashan is the baby's first solid food — usually kheer or rice — offered with puja around the sixth month (even months for boys, odd for girls in many traditions).

Why is Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony) performed?

It marks the child's move to solid food and asks for lifelong health and nourishment.

Who performs it?

Widely celebrated, especially in Bengal (mukhe bhaat), Kerala (choroonu) and North India.

When to perform it

Usually around the sixth month — in many traditions in even months for boys and odd months for girls — on an auspicious day chosen from the panchang.

Preparing at home

Make the kheer or payasam fresh and smooth, without nuts or anything the baby could choke on. Keep a silver bowl and spoon if the family has one, new clothes, and small objects for the choice ritual (a book, pen, money, clay, jewellery).

After the puja

The baby usually tastes only a little; regular solid feeding begins gradually afterwards. Relatives bless the child and a family meal follows.

Regional traditions

In Bengal it is called mukhe bhaat and the maternal uncle feeds the first morsel; in Kerala it is choroonu, often performed at Guruvayur temple; in North India it may be combined with a small havan.

Things to avoid

Talk to your paediatrician about when to start solids, and avoid honey and added salt for infants.

Puja vidhi — step by step

Ganesh puja — Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove obstacles, with akshat, flowers, durva grass and a sweet.
Sankalp — The family sits facing east or north. The pandit states the date, place, family names and gotra, and the purpose of the puja; the host takes water in the right hand as a vow.
Offering to the deity — Kheer is first offered to the family deity.
First feed — The maternal uncle or father feeds the baby the first spoon of kheer.
Choice ritual — Objects are placed in front of the baby; what the child touches is said to show future interests.
Aarti and prasad — The puja ends with aarti, pushpanjali (offering flowers), prayers for forgiveness of any mistakes, and distribution of prasad.

Families and pandits follow different traditions; your pandit may add or skip steps.

Samagri — what you need

Roli / kumkum
Haldi (turmeric)
Akshat (unbroken rice)
Flowers and garlands
Incense sticks
Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
Camphor
Betel leaves and supari
Fruits
Sweets for prasad
Coconut
Kalash with mango leaves
Gangajal
Red/yellow cloth for the altar
Silver bowl and spoon
Kheer or payasam
New clothes for the baby
Objects for the "choice" ritual (book, pen, money)

Most pandits bring the special items; confirm the list when they contact you.

Request a pandit

Need a pandit for Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony)? Tell us your city, language and date — a coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp. No payment on MyPujaWorld.

Frequently asked questions

When is Annaprashan done?

Usually between the sixth and eighth month, on an auspicious day.

How much does it cost?

Dakshina varies by city, the pandit's experience and how elaborate the puja is. Ask for a clear quote — including samagri — when the pandit contacts you.