Annaprasana (the first feeding of solid food) is the seventh of the Shodasha Samskaras, marking the moment a baby first tastes solid food — traditionally cooked rice. It is a tender milestone of nourishment and blessing, celebrated joyfully with family.

When Is It Performed?

  • Usually around the 6th month — often the 6th month for boys and an even month for girls in some traditions, on an auspicious day.
  • Choose a shubha muhurtam via a panchang or your purohit; the baby should be healthy and ready for solids on the day.

Items (Samagri)

  • Cooked rice / sweet payasam (kheer) as the first food, in a silver bowl/spoon if available
  • A lamp, turmeric, kumkum, flowers and a small kalash
  • Fruits, sweets and prasadam; optionally a tray of symbolic items for the playful "choosing" custom (book, coin, pen, etc.)

Step-by-Step Vidhi

  1. Clean the space; light a lamp and invoke Lord Ganesha — "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha".
  2. Elders/purohit perform a brief sankalpa; offer the food first to the deity (naivedyam).
  3. An elder (often the father or maternal uncle) gives the baby the first small taste of rice/payasam with blessings.
  4. Some families place a tray of symbolic objects and let the baby reach for one — a playful custom, not a prediction.
  5. Distribute prasadam and celebrate.

Note: customs and timing vary by region and family tradition — follow your elders or purohit.

How NRIs Perform It Abroad

  • A simple home version with a lamp, the first-rice feeding by an elder, and blessings is fully acceptable.
  • Arrange a purohit in person or online; source a silver spoon/bowl and samagri from Indian stores.
  • Involve grandparents over video call to bless the child.

See also the 16 Samskaras guide and Namakaranam.