What is Annaprashan puja (First Feeding Ceremony)?
Annaprashan, also known as the first rice-eating ceremony, is a significant ritual that marks a baby’s transition from a liquid diet to solid food. The term “Annaprashan” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Anna” means food or rice, and “Prashan” means to consume. This ceremony is typically performed when the child is around six months old, although the exact timing can vary based on regional customs and astrological considerations. The objective of this ceremony is to pray to God to bless the child with good digestive powers.
importance of Shaligram Puja
- Annaprashan Puja cleanse the baby of things that he may have swallowed when he was in the womb.
- Annaprashan Puja protects the child from negative influences.
- Annaprashan Puja helps in understanding the child’s inclination towards their future occupation.
- Annaprashan Puja shower prosperity on the child and the family.
- Annaprashan Puja help increase the life span of an individual.
- Annaprashan Puja marks the child’s transition to solid food, an essential step in their physical development.
- Annaprashan Puja invokes divine blessings for the child’s health, prosperity, and well-being.
- Annaprashan Puja provides a healthy and auspicious start to the child’s journey of consuming solid food.
- Annaprashan Puja ensures the child’s protection from negative influences.
- Annaprashan Puja generates positive energy and removes negative influences from the household.
Samagree
for Puja- Haldi [organic] (20gm), Kumkum [organic] (20gm), Tulsi Mala (1), Diya Batti (5), Beetle Nuts (5), Desi Ghee (20ml), Honey (20ml), Jaggery (Gudh) (20gm), Akshata [Yellow rice] (20gm), Yagno-paveetha (5), Karpoora [camphor] (5Tabs), Red/White/Yellow Cloth (1mtr), Prasad [Laung, Elaichi, Mishri] (20gm), Mouli (25mtr), Ganga Jal (15ml), Durva [fresh] (1), Agarbatti (6)/Dhoop (2), Dakshina (100INR), God Idols (pair), Sambrani (2), Sambrani Holder (1), Kalash [small copper] (1), Panchpatra [small copper] (1), Diya Holder (2), Panchamrit spoon (1), Karpoora Holder (1), includes perishables [Beetle Leaves [fresh] (9), Flowers [fresh] (incl mala), Tulsi [fresh], Mango Leaves [fresh] (7)]
Small Havan – Cow Dung Cake (2), Havan Samagri [20+ Organic Herbs] (100gm), Ghee (20ml)
Curd (100gm), Milk (100ml), Mithai (250gm), Fruits [5 types], Coconut (1), Havan Kund, Suchi Sarva (Havan Spoon) (1), Kalash [big] (1), Bowl [preferably copper/silver] (1), Spoon [preferably copper/silver] (1), Utensils [2 big Plates (for Aarti/Samagri)], First solid food (preferably Kheer or Payasam)