Annaprashan invitations: the first rice ceremony and the tray of objects
Annaprashan is the first time a baby is given solid food, usually rice, and it is marked as a ceremony in most Indian communities. It is called Mukhe Bhaat in Bengal, Choroonu in Kerala, and simply the rice ceremony in a lot of families.
It normally happens around six months, and it includes one small ritual that guests enjoy far more than they expect: the tray.
The tray of objects
After the baby has been fed, a tray is placed in front of them with several objects on it. The baby is allowed to reach for one, and whichever they pick is said to indicate something about their life.
The usual objects and their readings are a book for learning, a pen for writing, money or a coin for wealth, clay or soil for property and land, and jewellery for prosperity. Families add their own, and a stethoscope or a calculator turning up on the tray is now fairly common.
Nobody treats it as a prediction. It is a game, everyone films it, and the baby usually tries to eat whichever object they grab. Mention it on the invitation, because guests like knowing it is coming.
Who feeds the first bite
This varies, and it matters to the person concerned.
In Bengali families the maternal uncle, the mama, traditionally gives the first mouthful. In many South Indian families the father or the grandfather does. In Kerala, the Choroonu is very often performed at a temple, with Guruvayur being the best known, and the priest may give the first feed.
The food itself is usually plain rice, often with ghee, sometimes payesh or kheer. In some families a small amount of five different tastes is given, so the child's first experience covers sweet, salt, sour, bitter and pungent.
Timing and what to put on the invitation
- Around six months is the usual age. Many families follow the convention of an even month for boys and an odd month for girls, though this varies.
- Keep the function short, because a six month old will not last. Two hours is plenty.
- Give an exact time for the feeding itself, since that is the part guests come for.
- Say if it is at a temple, and whether guests should come there or to the meal afterwards.
- Mention the tray, since it is the part everyone enjoys.
Annaprashan invitation wording you can copy
Copy any of these and change the names, dates and places. They are written to be read out loud, so they sound right on a phone screen too.
[Name] is trying rice for the first time.
Annaprashan
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Feeding at [Time], then the tray, then lunch.
Come and see what she picks.
Shree Ganeshaya Namah
With gratitude for the blessing of our child, we invite you to the Annaprashan of
[Name]
[Day, Date] · Muhurat [Time]
[Venue]
Your blessings would mean everything to us.
Shree Shree Durgayai Namah
Aamader [chele / meyer] Mukhe Bhaat anushthane apnader sasomman nimontron.
[Naam]
[Din, Tarikh] · [Somoy]
[Sthan]
Mama will give the first mouthful.
[Name]'s Choroonu will be performed at [Temple] on [Day, Date] at [Time].
We would love you to join us for lunch afterwards at
[Venue] from [Time].
Blessings only please.
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Questions people actually ask
What is Annaprashan?
The ceremony marking a baby's first solid food, usually rice, held at around six months. It is called Mukhe Bhaat in Bengal and Choroonu in Kerala.
What is the tray of objects?
After the feeding, a tray of objects is placed before the baby and whichever they reach for is said to indicate something about their life. A book for learning, a pen for writing, a coin for wealth, clay for land. It is played as a game and everyone films it.
Who feeds the baby the first bite?
In Bengali families the maternal uncle, in many South Indian families the father or grandfather, and at a temple Choroonu often the priest. It varies, and it matters to the person concerned, so decide in advance.
At what age is Annaprashan held?
Usually around six months. Many families follow an even month for boys and an odd month for girls, though the convention varies by community.
How long should the function be?
Short. Two hours is plenty with a six month old in the room. Give an exact time for the feeding itself, since that is what guests are coming for.