The significance of Prathamastami in Odisha
It is observed in honour of the wealth and longevity of each household's firstborn child.
In Odisha, Prathamastami is a widely celebrated festival. It is observed in honour of the wealth and longevity of each household’s firstborn child. To shield the kid from all harm, prayers are given. The family honours the eldest kid on this occasion with new clothes and enduri pitha, a particular sweet delicacy.
In the month of Margashira, on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, is when this important Odia festival is observed.
In essence, it is a celebration of the oldest child’s long life and wellbeing. In Odisha, this day is known as “Paruha Ashtami” in the native tongue and is a traditional celebration. Shashthi Devi is worshipped on this day, and prayers for the longest life of the firstborn child are offered. She is also referred to as the “Jyestha Devi” on this occasion.
Prathamastami is based on the societal notion that the eldest kid is the one who must continue family customs and take care of the family following the death of the guardians.
A unique cake known as Enduri, or Haladi Patra Pitha, is produced as a gift and given out. It is a rice cake stuffed with sweet filling and covered in green turmeric plant leaves before steaming. The cake is given to loved ones after being offered to Sasthi Devi, the goddess of infant protection.
In the fourteenth century, Prathma Ashtami became known as the people’s festival in Odisha. Additionally, this is the season when excellent agricultural yields are observed. The farmers view this as their greatest time of year and feel extremely lucky as a consequence of the strong crop. It is clear from this celebration that Odisha’s traditional festivals are somewhat related to wealth and kindness.
On this day, the gods in the temples are dressed in new attire. WORSHIPPERS of Puri Srimandir adore Lord Balabhadra and Lingaraj temple’s deities—Varubheshareshwar in particular—are brought to the Manikarnika Ghat. The eldest daughter, known as “Bhargavi” or “Mahalakshmi,” is venerated and offered prayers by followers and gurus on this day.
