KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Odia families on Saturday observed Prathamastami, a festival for the eldest child of the family in Odisha.
On this occasion, the entire Odia family prays for the good and prosperity of the eldest child by offering them a lighted lamp ovation followed by elaborate rituals during which special mantras are recited.
Lord Ganesha, Shashti devi and the family deity are also worshiped. The maternal uncle sends the items necessary for the ritual. The main delicacy of the day is Enduri Pitha (steamed rice cake wrapped in turmeric leaves). The eldest children also are given new dresses on this occasion.
The celebration falls on the dark half eighth day Ashtami of the month of Margashira according to the Purnimanta calendar followed in North India, occurring after the eight day of Kartik Purnima.
The social significance of this festival is that the first-borns are brighter and it is ultimately they who take up the burden of the family after the death of the parents.
According to psychologists the first-borns are mostly healthy, obedient and tradition-bound. Therefore, the family tradition is maintained through them. For such obvious reasons the eldest child is honoured to occupy the respectable place in the family after the death of the parents. This day is also known as Saubhagini Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami and Paap-nashini Ashtami.
Kalinga AI