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Annaprashana

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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". The ceremony is usually arranged in consultation with a priest, who arranges an auspicious date on which to conduct the ceremony.

Referred to in English as first feeding with rice, 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. 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.

The Annaprashana, unlike many other Samskaras, remains an important ceremony in modern India.

References

Annaprashana Wikipedia