Prathamastami 2024

Prathamastami in Odisha, is a festival in which the firstborn child of a family is celebrated in various ways. Prathama means the first born and astami marks the eight day of Krushna Pakshya in the Margashira.

On this occasion, the Hindu families in Odisha pray for the prosperity of the eldest child with a lighted diyas, flowers and special mantras. Grains of rice are sprinkled on the head of the firstborn child.

The members in the family pray to God Ganesha and Goddess Shashti for the well-being of the child. The maternal family of the child sends clothes, food and fruits on the occasion.

Various traditional steam cakes are made for the family on this day. The main delicacy is Enduri Pitha or Haldi patra pitha (which is steamed rice cake wrapped in turmeric leaves).

Prathamastami generally signifies that the first-born is the more responsible among the children and that they shall be responsible for the family after their parents.

It is worth mentioning that, psychologists say that the first-borns are mostly healthy, obedient and tradition-bound, this can be an apt scientific explanation for this festival. The other names for celebration of this day all over India is Saubhagini Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami and Paap-nashini Ashtami.