Annaprashana
The Annaprashana (Sanskrit: अन्नप्राशन, Annaprāśana, Bengali: অন্নপ্রাশন, Onnoprashon) also known as annaprashana vidhi, annaprasan or Anna-prasanam, is a Hindu rite of passage ritual (Saṃskāra) that marks an infant's first intake of food other than milk. The term annaprashan literally means "food feeding" or "eating of food".[1] The ceremony is usually arranged in consultation with a priest, who arranges an auspicious date on which to conduct the ceremony.
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Referred to in English as first feeding with rice,[2] the ceremony is usually carried out when the child is six to eight months old and the teeth have begun to appear, though it may be weaned at a later time.[3] It is an occasion for celebration, and extended family, friends and neighbours will be invited to attend. Rice has become more common in modern times and symbolizes food in general.[1] Dayananda Saraswati proposed feeding the child cooked rice mixed with ghee, or with honey, curd and ghee.[4]
The Annaprashana, unlike many other Samskaras, remains an important ceremony in modern India.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Lochfeld, James G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. The Rosen Publishing Group. pp. 43–44. ISBN 9780823931798.
- ↑ Manu smṛti.
- ↑ Pandit, Bansi (2005). Explore Hinduism. Heart of Albion. p. 128. ISBN 9781872883816.
- ↑ Charran, Swami Ram. Garbhadhan Sanskar. Lulu.com. p. 133. ISBN 9781458324603.
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