About Annaprashana Pooja
Annaprashana is the samskara in which a baby is fed solid food, usually rice, for the first time. It is traditionally held in the sixth month for boys and the fifth or seventh month for girls, on an auspicious day chosen by the priest. The ceremony includes Ganapathi puja, prayers for the child's health and the first feeding of payasam or rice by the parents.
When to book Annaprashana Pooja
- Sixth or eighth month for boys, fifth or seventh month for girls
- On a muhurtham fixed from the panchangam and the baby’s nakshatram
Popular dates fill first, so book a few days ahead. Choose any free slot when you book; your pandit confirms the muhurtham with you.
Annaprashana Pooja samagri list
- Silver bowl and spoon for the baby
- Payasam or kheer
- Kalasham, coconut and mango leaves
- Turmeric, kumkum and akshata
- Flowers, fruits and betel leaves
- New clothes for the baby
- Book, pen, gold and rice (for the object choice)
Verified pandits who perform Annaprashana Pooja
Annaprashana near you
Read the full guide to Annaprashana — meaning, vidhi, samagri, best time and cost — or see local details for your city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Annaprashana Pooja cost?
Annaprashana Pooja with a verified Rutviju pandit starts from ₹3,100 as pandit dakshina. The price can be a little higher outside the metro cities, live video pujas cost less than a home visit, and the full bill is shown before you pay.
What samagri is needed for Annaprashana Pooja?
The samagri list for Annaprashana Pooja has 7 items, shown on this page (Silver bowl and spoon for the baby, Payasam or kheer, Kalasham, coconut and mango leaves and more). You can arrange it yourself; anything else your pandit needs is confirmed when you book.
Which pandits perform Annaprashana Pooja?
15 verified pandits perform Annaprashana Pooja on Rutviju, including Acharya Vimal Guruji, Ajay Pandey, AkkaRajuvenkat venkatanagavamsikrishna. You can choose one by language and experience when you book.