Prathamastami is a festival unique to Odisha that is celebrated on the 8th day of the month of Margasira. It is celebrated for the well-being and long life of the firstborn child, who is also known as ‘podhuan’. The rationale behind the celebration is that the firstborn child is seen as the future flagbearer of the family line, especially after the demise of the parents. They will also have the greatest responsibilities in the future.

The tradition originates from Lord Lingaraj visiting Kapalimatha, which is his maternal uncle’s (mamu) house, as the presiding deities of the matha. Lord Baruneswar and Goddess Banadevi are his maternal uncle and aunt respectively.

In memory of his trip, Prathamastami is celebrated all over Odisha. The eldest child is felicitated with an aarti by the mother and other relatives who pray for the child’s safety and good health. They are made to wear new clothes and a selection of mouth watering food is prepared for them, including sweetmeats and dalma. A famous delicacy that is specific to this day is enduri pitha, which is made with specially steamed in turmeric leaves and filled with chana and jaggery. 

Another interesting fact is that Prathamastami coincides with the time of good crop yields in Odisha and farmers consider this time prosperous, showcasing yet another example of how prosperity and good fortune coincides with festivities.

In my opinion, as the world develops around us, it has become tougher for us to celebrate Prathamastami as the special and deep-rooted festival it once was. It is no longer practical for us to celebrate it with our families, especially as most of us live away from them. However, it is still important for us to keep the sentiment and values of this tradition alive, so that we do not lose the qualities that make us uniquely Odia.