Bhubaneswar: Families across Odisha celebrated Prathamastami on Wednesday, a festival dedicated to the firstborn child, with rituals, prayers, and traditional delicacies, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage. Observed on the ‘Ashtami’ of the ‘Margashirsha’ month, the festival is considered an occasion to bless the eldest son or daughter with health, prosperity, and long life.
On this special day, the firstborn, affectionately called the “Podhuan,” receives special attention from family members. Mothers and elders offer prayers to Goddess Sasthi Devi, seeking blessings for the child’s well-being.
In many households, maternal uncles, known as ‘Ashtami Bandhu,’ play a vital role by presenting the ‘Podhuan’ with new clothes, sweets, and festive delicacies as a mark of affection and good wishes.
Culinary traditions also feature prominently in the celebrations. Homes across Odisha prepare ‘Enduri Pitha,’ a traditional delicacy made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut, steamed in turmeric leaves. In towns like Puri and Cuttack, women gathered early in the morning for prayers, while children were dressed in new clothes and offered gifts.
Historically, Prathamastami was also known as ‘Soubhagini Ashtami,’ when farmers worshipped Goddess Soubhagini to express gratitude for children and a good harvest. The festival was additionally observed as Kala Bhairava Ashtami, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, whose worship is believed to cleanse sins and remove negative karma.
According to legend, on this day, Lord Lingaraj, the presiding deity of Bhubaneswar, visits Kapali Matha, believed to be the home of his maternal uncle and aunt, Lord Baruneswar and Goddess Banadevi. Devotees believe that drinking water from the sacred Paapanaasini pond within the matha purifies sins and grants divine blessings.
Interestingly, the essence of Prathamastami finds a parallel in Judaism, where families observe the Fast of the Firstborn. In this tradition, firstborn sons fast in remembrance of the Hebrew children saved from the Plague of the Firstborn in ancient Egypt.
Prathamastami is not only a celebration of ritual and tradition but also a day that strengthens family bonds. The festival reminds the younger generation of Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Odias, even amidst changing lifestyles.
