The Festival: Prathamastami

 

Prathamastami observed in Krushna Paksha Astami in the month of Margasira (November-December) is one of the most popular local festival (oshas) in the state. We call it Prathamastami because according to Odia Panjika, Margasira is the first month of our calendar. And even though this is the first Astami of this year, we call it that. That is why some people also called this month "Agrahyana month". Our age-old Hindu traditions enjoined the eldest child to take all the responsibility and care of the family. So for the welfare, longevity and prosperity of the eldest child of the family, called "Padhuan", that festival is celebrated. The first-borns have some special rights and are entrusted with additional responsibilities in India. Being the oldest also has its advantages - being rewarded with an extra share of Jyeshta-bhaga.

 

The child is anointed with vermilion, sandal paste, flowers and He is adorned with doob grass and akshata. The traditional custom is that the maternal uncle gives the child new clothes marked with "astami-bandhu". Five grains, five leaves, five flowers are offered to the deities including Lord Ganesh and the Ista Devi or Devata who are invited to a jar filled with water covered with coconut and mango leaves and worshiped by offering five types of sweets, cakes, curries etc. like family food. The child's new clothes are worshiped with a holy jar. The child is given these new clothes to wear after the service and is made to sit on a wooden stand (Pidha). Kalash is placed before him for a handful of rice. A branch of mango leaves and a coconut are placed over it. Then the mother or any other old woman wishes him long life and good health by praying to Sathi or Sasthi Devi.

A special cake called Enduri Pitha - 

 

a rice cake filled with a sweet filling and wrapped in green turmeric leaves before steaming - is the first cake offered to Sasthi Devi, the patron saint of children. A cloth-bound pot (called athaara handi) is placed on the fire, in which turmeric leaves containing elongated paste are filled with Paneer (chenna) jaggery and grated coconut filling, rice black gram paste from the leaf. It is properly steamed and cooked before serving. Enduri pitha is recognized by its significant aroma due to the use of turmeric leaves. That pitha is prepared continuously for 7 days of Prathamstami and on the 7th day the athara Handi (clay pot filled with water and heated like an oven) used to steam the pitha is immersed in water and it is very tasty and hygienic.

 

In some areas of Odisha state, ashtami is prepared as Badi (food) in quantity of 14. In addition, other cakes such as Haladi Patra Pitha, Khiri, Mua, Dalma and served as bhoga are also a specialty of this occasion. (Enduri pitha is not prepared during other seasons.)

 

We know that every Odia festival must have folklore behind it and it is also that on that day Krishna and Balaram visited Raja Kansa's maternal aunt in new clothes and were honored in the same way. Even Lord Jagannatha follows this sweet ritual. A special "bandapana" is organized for him on this day. And Bada Thakura Balabhadra also devoted himself to that tradition and wore a new dress given by his maternal uncle Madhabananda jeu of Niali.

 

Prathamastami was also known as Soubhagini Astami. On this day, farmers worship to thank Goddess Soubhagini for the blessing of children and bountiful crops. Moreover, Prathamastami was also called Kala Bhairabaastami because the practice of praying to Bhairavi to get rid of evil or bad karma is now extinct.😀