How to Plan a Nepali Pasni? (Weaning or Rice Feeding) Ceremony

What is weaning ceremony?

A pasni (weaning or rice feeding) ceremony is an important event in the life of a Hindu family. It marks the transition of a baby from breastfeeding to solid food. The ceremony usually occurs when the baby is six months old (for sons) or five months old (for daughters).

The significance of weaning in Hinduism

The Weaning Ceremony or the Rice Feeding Ceremony is a Nepalese custom in which the maternal grandfather feeds rice to a baby. A child's digestive system can process solid food around this time. Thus Pasni is held when a baby is 5 or 6 months old. It is a momentous occasion for the family as it signifies the beginning of the baby's journey into adulthood.

Pasni is not just a religious event but also a social one.

Families invite their friends, relatives, and neighbors to celebrate this special milestone with them. The ceremony is usually held at the baby's home, but it can also be held at a temple or community hall.

A priest may be invited to perform the ceremony. The baby's parents usually feed them rice pudding (kheer) during the event. Other guests may also offer the child gifts of money, clothes, or toys.

A priest is usually invited to perform the ceremony, during which the baby's parents feed them rice pudding (kheer). Other guests may also offer the child gifts of money, clothes, or toys.

The significance of weaning in Hinduism is to acknowledge the baby's growth and development. It is also an opportunity for the family to express gratitude to the gods for blessing them with a healthy child.

What are the benefits of weaning ceremony?

The pasni ceremony has many benefits for the Hindu community. It helps to:

• Strengthen the bond between the baby and their parents.
• Introduce the baby to solid food.
• Teach the baby about Hindu traditions and customs.
• Help the community to support the family during this important time.

How to Plan a Pasni (Weaning or Rice Feeding) Ceremony?

If you are planning to hold a pasni ceremony, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that the event is a success. Here are some tips:

Before the Pasni

• Choose a date and time for the ceremony. It is best to hold the event on a day when most of your family and friends are available.
• Send out invitations to your guests. Be sure to include the event's date, time, and location.
• Arrange for a priest to perform the ceremony. You can ask your local temple or community center for help if you do not know a priest.
• The first step is to find a priest who can perform the ceremony. You can ask for recommendations from your friends or family or look for one online.
• Once you have found a priest, you will need to gather the puja samagri or the items needed for the ceremony. These items can usually be bought at a Hindu temple or online.
• The next step is to buy new clothes for the baby. These clothes must be new, as they symbolize the beginning of a new life for the child.

During the day of the Pasni

• After you have gathered all the items and puja samagri, you will need to make the kheer or rice pudding. This can be made by boiling rice in milk and sweetening it with sugar. Once the kheer is ready, it should be placed on the pasni thali or special platter.
• The baby will then be dressed in their new clothes and seated in the mandap, where the puja and offerings will be done.
• The priest will then perform the puja or prayer ceremony. After the puja is complete, the baby will be given a small amount of kheer to eat.
• All the baby's family and the guest will present the baby with gifts of fruit, flowers, coins, and gold and silver jewelry. This is an optional step, but it is a nice gesture if you can do it.
• The rest of the kheer will be distributed to all the guests.
• The event should be captured on camera to remember this special day.
• Finally, thank your guests for coming and celebrating the occasion with a feast!

How do you do a rice feeding ceremony? What is done at Pasni?

• An astrologer chooses an auspicious date and time. Usually, a Hindu and all the closest relatives are invited to witness and celebrate. 
• A baby's first and simplest solid meal is rice. The custom of serving rice pudding is region-specific. In Nepal, Gurung and Magar people prepare rice pudding (kheer), which is cooked with milk and sugar.
• Brahmin and Kshatriya families also feed babies the same during Pasni. In Newari culture, they serve myriad varieties. 
• Around the main rice food, several other side dishes, 'Chaurasi Byanjan,' are placed. 
• The baby is bathed, donned in new clothes, and adorned with flowers. The baby is dressed in a distinctive outfit composed of crimson velvet and embroidered with silver and golden thread or in saffron fabric cloth for the day.
• The baby is fed by their aunt (sister of the baby's father), while the rest of the family witnesses and feeds them their first taste of rice.
• The mother feeds the child first and asks for blessings from the god for the good health and fortune of the child.
• Following this, the baby will go through another lengthy procedure (worship ceremony) led by a priest and recited from ancient volumes.
• Grandparents give the youngster presents, money from relatives, and gold and silver ornaments. These decorations include massive silver anklets (Kalli) with dragon carvings on both ends to keep the evil spirits at bay.
• These ornaments can be passed down as heirlooms. In certain cultures, sons are known to pierce the upper lobe of the right ear with gold ornaments adorned with different beads.

What do you need for Pasni?

Here is the list of things you need for Pasni

• A priest to perform the ceremony
• Puja Samagri
• Baby Pasni Dress (New clothes for the baby)
• Rice pudding (kheer) for the baby to eat
• A camera to capture the event
• Fruits
• Flowers
• Coins
• Gold and silver ornaments for the baby (optional): silver anklets (Kalli), silver balaa, gold necklace, etc
• Pasni Thali (a special platter to offer the kheer)
• Gold and silver-plated brass bowls set to showcase the food items (optional)
• A feast for the guests (optional)

The pasni ceremony is an important milestone in a Hindu child's life. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the baby's progress. It is also a time to start solid food, which is an important part of a healthy diet for the baby.

FAQs

What is the significance of a Nepali Pasni Ceremony?

The Nepali Pasni Ceremony is an important milestone in a Hindu child's life. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the baby's progress. It is also a time to start solid food, which is an important part of a healthy diet for the baby.

How is a Nepali Pasni Ceremony performed?

A priest usually performs a Nepali Pasni Ceremony. The priest will recite ancient texts and perform a puja or worship ceremony. The baby will be given new clothes to wear and will be fed rice pudding by their aunt. The family will then give the baby gifts and gold and silver ornaments.

What do you need for a Nepali Pasni Ceremony?

You will need a priest, puja samagri, new clothes for the baby, rice pudding, a camera, fruits, flowers, coins, and gold and silver ornaments. You may also want to offer a feast for the guests.

What is the history of the Nepali Pasni Ceremony?

The Nepali Pasni Ceremony is a traditional Hindu ceremony that has been practiced for centuries. It is believed to date back to the time of Lord Krishna.

What are some popular Nepali foods served during a Pasni Ceremony?

Some popular Nepali foods served during a Pasni Ceremony include kheer (rice pudding), chaurasi byanjan (a variety of side dishes), and fruits.