Annaprashan (First Feeding)
🪔 Significance:
The word “Anna” means food and “Prashan” means feeding.
It symbolizes the beginning of the child’s physical growth and nourishment from nature’s bounty.
During the ritual, food is offered to the child with divine prayers and blessings, often starting with a small amount of kheer (sweet rice).
🌸 Ritual Highlights:
Performed at home or temple with a priest chanting mantras.
The child is seated on a parent’s lap, and a small spoon of food is offered to the deity first, then fed to the child.
Elders give blessings, and family celebrates this milestone.
🙏 Spiritual Meaning:
Annaprashan is believed to bring:
Good health and strong digestion for the child.
Sanskari jeevan aarambh (starting life with purity and divine connection).
It’s also seen as a way to introduce the child to family traditions and culture.
