Prathamastami is a cherished household festival in Odisha, observed annually to pray for prosperity, longevity, and well-being of the firstborn child in every family. The festival’s name is derived from two Sanskrit words: Prathama, meaning first, and ‘Asthami’, referring to the eighth day.
Going by the Odia almanack the festival falls on the Asthami tithi of Krushna Paksha in the Odia month of Margasira. That’s why the festival is called Prathamastami.
On this special day, firstborn children are worshipped and honoured with love and affection. They are dressed in new clothes and treated to a variety of delicious traditional pithas. The festival is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, strengthen bonds, and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their firstborn children.
The firstborns are worshipped and honoured on the day. They are made to wear new clothes and eat several types of delicious Enduri pitha.
Legend Behind The Festival
According to ancient folklore, the celebration of Prathamastami is deeply rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s birth.
The story goes that demon king Kansa was warned by prophets that Devaki’s eighth child would kill him. Though Kansa spared Devaki’s life, he ruthlessly killed every child born to her.
Kansa’s brutality continued until Devaki’s seventh child when a miraculous incident occurred. Lord Narayan summoned Yogamaya, a divine being, to transfer the four-month-old fetus from Devaki’s womb to that of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva. This divine intervention ultimately led to the birth of Lord Krishna.
Despite being the eighth child, Krishna was the only one to survive Kansa’s wrath. This remarkable story is believed to be the origin of Prathamastami, a celebration honouring the eldest child in every family.
Legend also has it that on this day, Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram visited their maternal uncle Kansa wearing new clothes and were honoured with love and affection. This tradition has been passed down through generations, where the eldest child in every family receives new clothes as gifts from their maternal uncle, which they wear on Prathamastami.
Today, Prathamastami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and love, as families come together to honour their eldest child, seeking blessings for their prosperity, longevity, and well-being.
Another Side Of The Festival
This tradition is deeply rooted in Odia customs, where uncles have always been generous and loving towards their nephews. Until the nephews get married, uncles gift them new clothes, symbolizing their affection and blessings. Even after marriage, the tradition continues, as uncles invite their newly wedded nephews and their wives, gifting them new clothes to mark the end of the Prathamastami ritual. This beautiful tradition strengthens the bond between uncles and nephews, fostering a sense of love, respect, and gratitude.
That’s why nephews perform Maula shraddha. Nephews offer shraddha for their uncles as part of their tribute towards their uncles. It is because, in Odia households, uncles generally give new clothes to their nephews till they get married.
Prathamastami Sounds Incomplete Sans Enduri Pitha
A unique and delicious cake known as ‘Enduri Pitha is baked and offered as bhog during Prathamastami puja. This special pitha is made with the help of turmeric plant leaves, filled with jaggery and grated coconut, and then steamed. The Enduri Pitha is first offered to Goddess Sasthi before being served to the firstborns and others.
According to health experts, the Enduri Pitha is not only a delicacy but also a healthy food option. Made from special rice, this pitha helps boost memory power and eliminate germs from the body. So, indulging in this traditional sweet dish on Prathamastami is not only a pleasure but also a healthy choice.
By Rashmi Rekha Das
