HAPPY PRATHAMASTAMI

Prathamastami is a rite held in Odisha for the life and prosperity of the eldest child who is offered a lighted lamp ovation by the senior female relatives followed by elaborate rituals during which the Mantra are recited. The celebration falls on the dark half eighth day - Ashtami - of the month of Margashira according to the Odia Calender, occurring on the eighth day after Kartika Purnima.

The ritual involves Arati of the eldest child by mother and relatives in which the maternal uncle sends the items necessary for the rituals like new dress, coconut, gur, newly harvested rice, black gram (biri, ବିରି) haldi Patra, coconut etc., and Ganesha, Shasti devi and the family deity are worshipped. The main delicacy of the day is ENDURI PITHA(shown in the above picture) This day is also known as Soubhagini Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami and Paap-nashini Ashtami.