In Sanskrit, Annaprasana means ‘grain initiation’. Annaprasana Puja is conducted very commonly as baby eats his first solid grains like rice. Thus Annaprasana is called ‘first rice eating ceremony’ or ‘first food ceremony’. This ceremony is basically performed to make the transition from a liquid diet to solids. It can be performed anytime from six months until before his first birthday. Well, for baby girl is usually performed during odd months i.e. fifth or seventh or ninth month.

Under the direct guidance of a Hindu Priest on an auspicious day puja and havan is conducted for over health, welfare and happiness of baby which is followed by symbolic feeding of fist bite of solid food like rice or kheer or rice with ghee or rice with pulses. In this occasion of celebration, family members, friends and relatives are invited. A fun game is arranged by putting number of objects are placed on a banana leaf or a silver tray which the baby pick up. The objects include:

• Book symbolizing learning
• Jewel symbolizing wealth
• Pen symbolizing wisdom
• Clay symbolizing property
• Food items symbolizing love for food.

Kith and kin cheer the baby to pick one and it is believed that the choice of baby represents his area of interest in future.

For details, consult the Hindu Priest & Astrologer, Acharya Prem Bhatt. Contact: 0412653458, Melbourne (Australia)

Be it a 1 year old kid or 70 year old man, birthday is the most significant day in person’s life and to get blessed that special day by Lord is paramount. Birthday Puja are conducted by Acharya Prem Bhatt for prosperity, longevity, happiness and strength to face challenges in life.

Upon discussion, we can include the following in Birthday Puja:

• Ganpati Sthapna,
• Navagraha Sthapna,
• Kalash Sthapna,
• Deep Prajjawalit,
• Puja Samagri,
• Shodhashopchar Puja,
• Aarti and Dakshina for Brahmins.

For details, consult the Hindu Priest & Astrologer, Acharya Prem Bhatt. Contact: 0412653458, Melbourne (Australia)

Godh Bharai Puja or say, Indian Baby Shower is celebrated on the seventh month of the pregnancy to welcome the unborn baby to the family and elders bless the mother-to-be with happiness and joys of motherhood. Godh Bharai literally means to ‘fill the lap’ with abundance. This function is held for and by the women and is celebrated with great festivity.

The day starts with Godh Bharai Puja, which basically includes worship of Lord Ganesh. Well, the expected mother enters the area of Puja space wearing a silk cloth sari with betel nut and one rupee coin is placed under her feet till she arrives to alter. There are certain customary tilak, accepting coconut, tying thread for protection and many more.

For details of Puja preparation and arrangements, consult the Hindu Priest & Astrologer, Acharya Prem Bhatt. Contact: 0412653458, Melbourne (Australia)

Mundan Puja or say, first haircut puja represents the first time shaving of the baby hair after the birth of the child. It is also called Chudakarana. It can be done on 1^st, 3^rd or 5^th year of the baby. It cannot be done randomly on any year. People prefer to get ti done on the first year only. If first shaving is done early, then it would lead to better hair growth in future. It also improves the strength of the nerves in the brain of the child. It is celebrated with great ceremony. A small tuft of hair is left as Shikha to protect the brain.

Mundan Puja is conducted on an auspicious day by consulting a Hindu Priest. The priest performs havan and puja where the child sit on the lap of the mother facing the holy fire of the havan kund. The priest removes a little bit of hair and the remaining hair is removed by the barber invited for the Mundan ceremony. The shaved head is washed with Ganga Jal – holy water of Ganges. Later, paste of turmeric and sandalwood is applied on the head of the child. It acts as an antiseptic. It also keeps the head cool and heals the cuts on the head

For details of Puja preparation and arrangements, consult the Hindu Priest & Astrologer, Acharya Prem Bhatt. Contact: 0412653458, Melbourne (Australia)