Annaprashan (অণ্ণপ্রশন) - the function to celebrate first meal of rice

In our side of India (i.e., Assam and Bengal etc.), we celebrate a ceremony called Annaprashan at around 5th month of the baby. On this day, there is some puja and then the maternal uncle (mama) gives the first rice to baby. It's usually followed by a lunch with family and friends.

Since we were in Bangalore at that time, and Gitika's brothers couldn't travel, we decided to celebrate this function at ISKCON temple Bangalore. (We heard from some friends that we can celebrate events like Annaprashan, birthday etc at ISKCON temple).

The date chosen was June 16th, 2008. My father told us that it's a good day for Annaprashan.  (Well, I don't believe in astrology; but sometime I have to go by these dates). We went to the ISKCON temple about a week before the occasion and met some priest there. We took an appointment for June 16th. They told us to reach there at 8AM. They told us that we've to give a donation of Rs 3500/- for this ceremony. They said six persons from us can have breakfast at the temple after the ceremony.

My cousin Piju and his wife Monali came from Hyderabad to attend the ceremony. We reached the temple at 8 AM. Two priests performed the ceremony there. They gave a silver spoon, a silver bowl  and a Bhagawad-Gita as gifts to Krishu.

We invited four families for dinner at our place. Gitika cooked an excellent dinner.