Life ceremonies
Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony) in Patna · Hindi
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.
Pandits in Patna
No pandits in Patna are listed on MyPujaWorld yet — send a request below and our coordinator will find one who speaks Hindi. Are you a pandit in Patna? List your services free.
Temples in Patna
Many families perform Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony) at a temple, or ask the temple office to recommend a priest.
- Mahavir Mandir, Patna Hanuman
Request a pandit in Patna
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
How do I find a pandit for Annaprashan (First Rice Ceremony) in Patna?
Fill in the Request a Pandit form on this page with your date and preferred language (Hindi). A coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp with a pandit available in Patna.
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.
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