Annaprashan
Mukhe Bhaat · Choroonu
The ceremony marking a baby's first taste of solid food, usually rice, fed by a grandparent or maternal uncle in the presence of the family.
- Where it is observed
- Pan-India, with distinct names in Bengal and Kerala
- Communities
- Hindu families across traditions
- When to send
- 1–3 weeks ahead
- Invitation shape
- A short, warm family invitation, generally a morning ceremony followed by a meal.
Who invites whom
The baby's parents, inviting close family. Maternal relatives have a prominent role.
Timing & dates
Two weeks is comfortable for a gathering of close family.
2026–27 date guidance
Usually held around six months of age. Many families follow conventions about even and odd months for boys and girls, and the specific day may be set at a muhurat. Confirm with your family's practice.
The ceremonies
Practice varies by family, community and region — not every household observes all of these.
Puja
A short puja performed before the feeding.
First Riceअन्नप्राशन
The child is fed their first mouthful of rice, often payasam or kheer, by an elder.
Symbolic Tray
In many families the child is offered a tray of objects — a book, a coin, a pen — and what they reach for is noted with affection.
What the invitation must include
- Date and time
- Venue with map link
- Parents' names and the child's name
- Meal timing
- Contact number
Wording examples
Adapt these to your family's own voice — square brackets mark what you replace.
Our little one is ready for their first taste of rice. Please join us for [Name]'s Annaprashan on [Date] at [Time].
Create your Annaprashan invitation
Every function, muhurat, venue and RSVP built around your celebration — and shareable on WhatsApp in a single link.
Related guides
Upanayanam
The sacred thread ceremony, marking a boy's initiation into formal study and his receipt of the Gayatri Mantra from his father or guru.
Baby Shower
A celebration held in the later months of pregnancy, blessing the expectant mother. Known as Seemantham in Telugu and Tamil households, Godh Bharai in the north, Valaikappu in Tamil Nadu, and Dohale Jevan in Maharashtra.
Naming Ceremony
The ceremony at which a newborn is formally given their name, often whispered into the child's ear, and frequently combined with the cradle ceremony.