Prathamastami: A Festival For The Firstborns
The Odia cultural calendar is replete with many festivals unique to the region which boasts of a rich heritage. One such festival is Prathamastami which celebrates the firstborn of every household in Odisha. My City Links brings to you some of the distinct features of this unique festival.
Why Is Prathamastami Observed?
The festival, which has its origin in Odisha, falls on the eighth day after Kartika Purnima in the month of Margasira. As per the customs, the eldest sibling of the family is pampered with delicacies and new clothes on this day. Mothers, pray for the well-being and long life of the firstborn child who is considered to be the flag bearer of the family’s tradition and values. This apart, the firstborn brings to people the joy of becoming parents and is the symbol of prosperity in the family.
Sruti Naik, a homemaker, says, “I am a non-Odia married into an Odia household. I was awestruck after being introduced to the rich local tradition and rituals associated with the festivals. Prathamstami is celebrated with much fanfare in our household. It’s like celebrating the second birthday of my son Mayur in a year.”
Role Of The Maternal Family
As per tradition, new clothes along with sweets and other delicacies arrive from the maternal uncle’s house for the firstborn or the ‘Pratham’. Kids also visit their uncle’s place to feast on various Odia delicacies on this day. Maternal uncles, aunts, and grandparents also pray for the good health of the firstborn.
Haladipatra Pitha
The remarkable offering of Prathamastami is Haladipatra Pitha. The sweetmeat made with rice batter is wrapped in fresh and seasonal turmeric leaves and filled with grated coconut and jaggery. Savouring this delicacy with Dalma, another Odia dish, is a treat for the taste buds.
Seetal, a firstborn, says Haladipatra Pitha is one of her favourites. “Apart from gorging on the delicacy on Prathamastami, I often pack the sweetmeat in my tiffin box and take it to school to share it with my friends who also love to feast on them,” she says.
Seetal adds, “I have two brothers who are younger to me. When I get all the attention on Prathamastami, they get really envious.”
(Image Courtesy: Internet)
Author: Debamitra mishra
A journalist by profession and a fanatic of liberal arts, Debamitra is a reporter and carves her niche in human interest stories. An artist in solitude and wannabe writer.
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