Prathamastami is celebrated on the eighth day of Margasira (November – December) in Odisha. On this auspicious day, the eldest child of the family is honored and special pujas are performed for their well-being. The significance lies in recognizing the eldest child as the future caretaker of the family, especially after the parents’ passing.
During the celebration, the child is adorned with vermillion, sandal paste, flowers, doob-grass, and sacred rice grains. It is customary for the maternal uncle to provide new clothes for the child. The ritual involves offering five grains, five leaves, and five flowers to the Gods, including Lord Ganesh. The deities are invited symbolically to a water-filled pitcher covered with coconut and mango leaves. The pitcher is worshipped with offerings of five types of sweetmeats, cakes, curries, etc., presented by the family.
The new clothes meant for the child are also worshipped alongside the sacred pitcher. Following the worship, the child is given the honor of wearing these new clothes, marking the joyous occasion of Prathamastami.
On Prathamastami in Odisha, a special cake named Haladi Patra Pitha is prepared as Prasad and distributed. This unique rice cake is filled with sweet stuffing and wrapped in turmeric plant leaves before being steamed. The cake, known as Enduri, is offered first to Sasthi Devi, the protector of children..
To make Haladi Patra Pitha, a paste of daal and rice is placed inside a turmeric leaf. The leaf-wrapped mixture is then set atop a water-filled earthen pot heated on an oven. The cake is boiled and prepared by the steam, resulting in a delicious and hygienic delicacy.
Prathamastami, recognized as a people’s festival in Odisha since the 14th century, is also known as Soubhagini Ashtami. This auspicious day is associated with good crop yields, bringing joy to farmers. According to the epic Skandh Puran, the day is dedicated to worshipping the God “Kaal Bhairav,” earning it the name Kaal Bhairava Ashtami. In some epics, it is referred to as Paap-Nashini Ashtami, emphasizing its significance as a day that dispels sins.
