Annaprashan: a baby's first rice
In Bengal it is called Mukhe Bhaat. It marks the baby's first food other than milk.
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What is Annaprashan
Annaprashana is a Hindu rite of passage (samskara) that marks an infant's first food other than milk. The name means eating cooked rice. (Source: Wikipedia, Annaprashana)
At what age
A priest usually picks an auspicious date when the child is about 5 to 8 months old. Bengali and Telugu belief favours odd months for girls and even months for boys. (Source: Wikipedia, Annaprashana)
What is served, and who feeds
Rice is central, often served as kheer, a sweet rice pudding considered holy. Bengali menus add five kinds of fried food and a fish dish. Mukhebhat, also called mamabhat, means rice in the mouth, and the maternal uncle or maternal grandfather usually feeds the child. (Source: Wikipedia, Annaprashana)
Bengali customs
The child picks an object from a banana leaf or silver plate: soil (property), a book (learning), a pen (wisdom) or coins (wealth). The choice is believed to hint at the child's future. Conch shells are blown and women ululate. Elders place rice seeds (dhaan) and grass stalks (dubba) on the child's head. (Source: Wikipedia, Annaprashana)
π‘ Ask your family priest to fix the day. We do not have a 2027 Annaprashan date list.
Questions
- Annaprashan age in months
- Around 5 to 8 months; Bengali belief favours odd months for girls and even months for boys.
- What does Mukhe Bhaat mean
- Rice in the mouth: the baby's first rice.
- Who feeds the baby at Annaprashan
- Usually the maternal uncle or maternal grandfather.
- What does the baby pick at Annaprashan
- Soil, a book, a pen or coins; believed to hint at the future.