Bhubaneswar: Prathamasthami (ପ୍ରଥମ ଅଷ୍ଟମୀ) is one of the most popular festivals in Odisha.
Prathamasthami is the festival of ‘Prathamas‘ (the first born). On this day, the eldest child of the family is honored. He/she is given new clothes from the maternal uncle’s side.
On Prathamasthami the mother of the first child worships “Shasthidevi”.
Shasthi is a Hindu goddess, known as the benefactor and protector of children. Mother worships the goddess Shasthidevi believing that she will protect her children from illness and shower her child with blessings.
It is believed that this tradition began when lord Shiva went to his maternal’s place on this day and was adored immensely.
On this occasion, a special variety of steamed cake is prepared called ENDURI PITHA (ଏଣ୍ଡୁରି ପିଠା) or HALDI PATRA PITHA (ହଲ୍ଡି ପତର ପିଠା).
It is made of a batter which consists of urad (biri) dal and rice. The batter has a thick consistency and is stuffed with jaggery (ଗୁଡ), coconut (ନଡ଼ିଆ) and black pepper powder (ଗୋଲମରିଚ) and is steamed after being rolled inside turmeric leaves.
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