Prathamastami is a special festival celebrated in Odisha for firstborn children. On this day, the firstborn wears new clothes, and a traditional dish called Enduri Pitha is prepared. Enduri Pitha is a type of stuffed rice cake wrapped in turmeric leaves, giving it a unique aroma. The child’s maternal uncle is responsible for gifting new clothes to his niece or nephew.
Timing and Significance
Prathamastami is observed on the Krushna Paksha Astami during the lunar month of Margasira (November–December). It is one of the most popular festivals in Odisha. The name "Prathamastami" comes from the Odia calendar, where Margasira is considered the first month. Although it is the first Astami of the year, it is celebrated as such, leading some to refer to this month as Agrahyana.
In Hindu tradition, the eldest child, known as Padhuan, is expected to take on significant responsibilities for the family. This festival is celebrated for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of the eldest child.
Rituals and Customs
In India, firstborns enjoy special privileges and responsibilities. On Prathamastami, the child is adorned with vermillion, sandal paste, and flowers, and is decorated with doob grass and akshata (colored rice). It is customary for the maternal uncle to provide new clothes for the child, who is referred to as astami-bandhu.
During the celebration, families offer five types of grains, leaves, and flowers to the gods, including Lord Ganesh and Ista Devi. A water-filled pitcher, covered with coconut and mango leaves, is worshipped with offerings of sweetmeats, cakes, and curries. The new clothes are also blessed with the sacred pitcher. After the worship, the child wears the new clothes and sits on a wooden pedestal (Pidha). In front of the child, a Kalash (pitcher) is placed on a handful of paddy, topped with a branch of mango leaves and a coconut. The mother or an elderly lady prays to Sathi or Sasthi Devi for the child’s long life and good health.
Special Foods
A highlight of the celebration is the Enduri Pitha, a rice cake filled with sweet stuffing and wrapped in turmeric leaves before being steamed. This dish is first offered to Sasthi Devi, the protector of children, and is known for its distinctive aroma from the turmeric leaves. In some regions of Odisha, a special food item called ashtami badi is prepared in quantities of 14. Other delicacies like Haladi Patra Pitha, Khiri, Mua, and Dalma are also made for the occasion. Enduri Pitha is unique to this festival and is not prepared at other times of the year.
Folklore and Traditions
Like many Odia festivals, Prathamastami has its own folklore. It is believed that on this day, Krishna and Balaram visited their maternal aunt, Raja Kansa, wearing new clothes and were honored in a similar manner. Even Lord Jagannatha follows this sweet tradition, with a special Bandapana arranged for Him. Bada Thakura Balabhadra also adheres to this custom, receiving new clothes from His maternal uncle, Madhabanandajew of Niali. There are also special rituals performed in Shrimandira for Prathamastami.
On this day, the representative deity of Lord Lingaraja, Chandrashekhara, is taken out in a palanquin to Kapali Matha, considered His maternal uncle's home near Papanasini Tank. Lord Lingaraja is offered new clothes and Muan (sweetened rice flake balls) by His uncle, Shri Baruneshwara. Prathamastami is a vibrant celebration that strengthens family ties and honors the firstborn, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
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My preparations for Prathamshtami!!
Tomorrow being Prathamashtami, I am done with preparing the batter for Enduri Pitha, made its stuffing and am all set to prepare Enduri tomorrow morning. We have very few turmeric leaves here in Hyderabad. At least we have some, so we are grateful. I am done cleaning and preparing them for tomorrow. In my household, we all are Pauduan's. I am the eldest child of my family and my husband is the eldest of his family, and we have only one kid. So, its a family celebration for us. Every year my maternal uncles give money to me to purchase clothes of my choice. Well, this usually stops post-marriage for both men and women. But, my maternal uncles have kept it going. My mother is the eldest in her family so they used to send money for both of us. And they still do the same. Now, after my marriage, I am getting money from my maternal uncles, parents, and mother-in-law. At first i used to refuse but then I learned it gives a different kind of pleasure to my maternal uncles so they send it to all their firstborn nephews and nieces. So, I accept it as a blessing from them. The amount that i get from my elders is good enough to buy me several dresses. Lol.
This time I bought 4 different dresses. It's not very costly but good enough for different occasions. Some other kind of satisfaction is when you buy several clothes all at once. Well, I am still a kid at heart.
Will share my experiences and pics after tomorrow's celebration.
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