Bhubaneswar, Nov 22: Prathamastami, one of the most revered festivals in Odisha, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, especially for the prosperity and long life of the eldest child in every household. This unique festival is marked by prayers offered to protect the firstborn from all evils, and to ensure their well-being and success throughout life.
Celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha during the Margashira month of the Hindu lunar calendar, Prathamastami is also known locally as ‘Paruha Ashtami’. The festival honors the eldest child—the one who traditionally holds the responsibility of looking after the family after the parents' passing, and ensuring that family customs and traditions continue. The significance of the eldest child stems from the belief that they are the future caretakers of the family’s legacy.
On this day, families pray for the long life and good health of their firstborn, seeking blessings from the Goddess Shashthi Devi, also known as Jyestha Devi, the deity of children and longevity. The eldest child is honored with new clothes, and special sweet dishes are prepared, with the most iconic being Enduri Pitha—a traditional sweet made of rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, wrapped in aromatic turmeric leaves.
Prathamastami also holds agricultural significance. The festival coincides with the period when farmers in Odisha are celebrating the harvest of the season. A good crop yield is considered a sign of prosperity, and the farmers feel fortunate, marking this as one of the most auspicious times of the year.
Historically, Prathamastami is believed to have been celebrated in Odisha since the 14th century and is recognized as a people’s festival that ties together the values of family responsibility, spiritual devotion, and agricultural abundance. The festival’s deep cultural roots are reflected in the religious observances across the state.
In temples on this day, deities are adorned with new clothes, and special prayers are offered. In Puri, Lord Balabhadra is worshipped with great devotion, and in Bhubaneswar, the deities of the Lingaraj Temple, especially Varubheshareshwar, are taken in a grand procession to the Manikarnika Ghat. Devotees also honor the eldest daughter in the form of ‘Bhargavi’ or ‘Mahalakshmi’, symbolizing prosperity and wellbeing.
