Bhubaneswar: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is renowned for its majestic architecture, rich history, and vibrant festivals. The Jagannath temple celebrates each festival with unparalleled enthusiasm and grandeur. Be it the colourful Holi or the sacred Prathamastami, every festival is observed with great pomp and ceremony.
Prathamastami unfolds a unique ritual in the revered Puri Jagannath temple. This special day is a celebration of the sacred bond between Lord Jagannath and his maternal uncle, Madhabananda Jew. As per tradition, new clothes and sweets arrive from the maternal uncle’s house for the firstborn in a family, symbolizing the love and affection that uncles shower on their nephews and nieces.
On Prathamastami, the Jagannath temple comes alive with the Baruna Puja, a special ritual held after the daily morning rituals. The Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra – is presented with new clothes and sweets that arrive as an offering from the Niali Madhaba temple. This ritual, which was discontinued for several years, has been reinitiated, much to the delight of devotees.
On this special day, the deities are treated to a sumptuous breakfast, featuring the delectable ‘Enduri pitha’. This steamed rice dumpling, stuffed with coconut and molasses filling, wrapped in turmeric leaves, is prepared particularly on Prathamastami, once a year. The ‘Enduri pitha’ is a special offering to the Trinity, symbolizing the love and devotion of the devotees.
