Prathmastami: A Festival for Firstborn, festival of Odisha, falls on Margasir Month and the eighth day after Kartik Purnima. As per the customs, the first born of the family is worshiped with Pitha (Eatries) and new clothes.
Like many Sankranti, fasting festivals Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Ashokashtami, Prathmashtami is also important in Odia culture. This festival is celebrated with great fanfare on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi of Margashirsha month. On Prathmastami, the eldest child was fed with new clothes and various kinds of dishes were fed.
On this day the eldest child is dressed in new clothes and the mother praises her and wishes her happiness and prosperity. This practice is called Podhunwa. In this festival, a special type of Peetha is prepared by wrapping on turmeric leaves, which is called Enduri. According to the Odia tradition, the maternal uncle is responsible for holding the eldest child now. This festival contains social and family bonding, discipline, ideal sense, because after the father, the entire responsibility of the family rests on the eldest child, hence it is the main objective to honor it.
Prathamashtami is also considered to be Kaal Bhairav Ashtami.According to the Skandha Purana, worshiping Kaal Bhairav Ashtami one gets freedom from all sins. This day is also considered to be good for tantra practice.
Due to various reasons on Prathmastami devotees vist temples and worship for peace and prosperity in the family.
| Related Name | Saubhagini Ashtami, Paap Nashini Ashtami |
| Begins Tithi | The eighth day after Kartik Purnima |
| Celebrations | Puja at Home |
Updated: Nov 22, 2024 12:30 PM