Annaprasana means feeding rice to a small baby when he starts eating solid food for the first time. This ceremony is celebrated in the sixth or eighth month for the boy child and in the fifth or seventh month for the girl child. Annaprasana is famous by different names in different states but meaning of the festival is same for every religion. This ceremony is celebrated before the first birthday of small babies usually in fifth or six month. During this stage, babies are ready to eat solid food in small quantity.
 

Some people are confused about the venue of the ceremony. Annaprasana is usually celebrated either in temple or home. Most of the people love to celebrate this festival at their home only. For this purpose, you can call a priest at your home and ask him to conduct a puja for completing all religious rituals. You can also invite your friends and relatives for making this event more exciting and special.
 

Annaprasana is celebrated at a special day suggested by the priest. Most of the parents buy new clothes for their baby. It would be better to prefer traditional clothes for Annaprasana ceremony. This ceremony begins with puja for bringing good health and lots of happiness. After a small puja, parents feed solid food to the baby for the first time. A game  is played after this ceremony where a number of symbolic objects like books, jewelery etc. are placed on a silver tray. Baby picks up one of the symbolic object that decides his profession in the future.
 

It is not necessary to feed only rice for the first time. It completely depends on the parents what they like to offer. It may be rice, sweets or any other solid food item. Make sure that whatever food item you are going to feed should be easily digestible by the baby. You can also consult your doctor or some health expert for this purpose.
 

Some tips for Annaprasana

Here are some tips that make your Annaprasana ceremony safe and exciting.

• Baby should not be tired during the Annaprasana ceremony.
• This celebration should be started immediately after the morning bath and should be completed before mid morning nap of the baby.
• It would be better to invite only close relatives otherwise it may disturb your baby.
• Always select comfortable clothes for your baby that should be soft and loose. Tight clothes may irritate the small babies.
• You should wash your hands properly before feeding your baby for the first time.
• You should be extra careful during preparation of food and it should be clean and hygienic.
• Use a clean towel for wiping out the extra food from the baby’s mouth.
• Don’t allow everyone for feeding your baby and also ask them to follow the same precautions.
• During puja, you should keep your baby away from fire and smoke. It may be dangerous for the health of a small baby.
• Don’t forget to give thank you gifts to the guests and capture the memories in your camera.