(“food-eating”) Samskara

Traditionally, this is the seventh of the
life-cycle ceremonies (samskaras) in
which the young child is first given
solid food. In many of the traditional
texts on dharma, the Dharma Shastras,
parents are directed to feed the child
animal flesh. In modern times children
are more commonly fed rice; as the
most popular grain in much of
India, rice can be considered a symbol
for food in general.
43
Annaprashana (“food-eating”) Samskara
A woman displays the anjali hasta hand gesture.
This gesture conveys respect and is a common greeting and salutation.
As in any society, the introduction of
solid food marks a major transition in
the infant’s young life, even though the
infant may not wean for some time after
that. Unlike many of the traditional
samskaras, this is still an important
childhood rite in modern India.