📜 Significance:
Annaprashan marks the baby’s transition from exclusive breastfeeding to eating solid food. It is the child’s first formal intake of anna (grain/solid food), usually rice, and is considered a key Sanskar in Hindu tradition. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated with traditional rituals to bless the child with health, nourishment, strength, and a prosperous future. It also symbolizes the beginning of physical growth and development.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • For boys – usually in the 6th or 7th month
  • For girls – usually in the 5th or 6th month
  • Exact date & muhurat is chosen based on astrology and baby’s health
  • Preferably done in Uttara Phalguni, Rohini, or Pushya Nakshatra

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Performed by the mother and father with the guidance of a Panditji
  • Close family and relatives are invited to bless the child
  • Can be performed at home, in a temple, or at a banquet hall

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Kalash with coconut and mango leaves
  • Diya (ghee lamp), incense sticks, camphor
  • Haldi, kumkum, chandan (sandalwood), akshata (rice)
  • Fresh flowers and garlands
  • A silver plate, spoon, and bowl for feeding
  • Cooked soft rice with ghee, kheer, or sweet mashed food
  • Panchamrit, betel leaves, dry fruits
  • Toys, books, pens (optional for symbolic future choice ritual)

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Ganesh Puja and Sankalpa – Invoking blessings and declaring intent
  2. Baby bath and new clothes before puja
  3. Punyahavachan and Kalash Sthapana – Purification rituals
  4. Feeding Ritual – Father/mother feeds the first spoon of sweet rice or kheer to the baby
  5. In some traditions, symbolic ritual of placing items like pen, coins, books, food for baby to pick (indicates future interest)
  6. Aarti and Ashirwad (blessings) from elders
  7. Distribution of prasad, sweets, and feast (anna daan)

⏳ Duration:
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
(Depending on accompanying rituals and guests)

🎁 Benefits of Annaprashan Sanskar:

  • Symbolically blesses the child’s digestive system and good health
  • Marks the milestone of physical growth and weaning
  • Ensures divine protection and family blessings for nourishment
  • Aids in building community bonding and celebrating new life stages