Introduction
In Odisha, Prathamastami is a widely celebrated festival. It is celebrated in honor of the wealth and longevity of every household’s firstborn child. To protect the child from all harm, prayers are performed. The family honors the eldest child on this occasion with new clothes and a particular sweet dish called “Enduri pitha”.
Arti is a ritual performed by the mother and other family members for the eldest child. The maternal uncle provides the items needed for the ritual, which include new garments, coconuts, jaggery, freshly harvested rice, black gram, turmeric leaves, among other things. Worshiped involve Ganesha, Shashti Devi, and family deity. Enduri Pitha is the day’s main delicacy. Some other names for this day are Paap Nashini Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, and Soubhagini Ashtami.
Let’s talk about the Significance Of Enduri Pitha on Prathamastami
A special cake known as Enduri, or Haladi Patra Pitha is made with rice wrapped with haldi/turmeric leaves. The cake is given to the loved ones after being offered to Sasthi Devi, the goddess of child protection.
The method of steaming these “Enduri pitha” is what makes them special. Fresh turmeric leaves are used to steam these. The process involves putting the coconut-jaggery mixture and rice-black gram batter over the leaf, sealing it, and steaming it in an athara handi (steamer). The morning of Prathamastami’s is filled with the aroma of haldi / turmeric leaves and marigold flowers. You must try the recipe and you should absolutely want to try it.
Prathamastami At Sri Jagannath Temple Puri
On this day, a special ritual is performed at Puri Jagannath temple. Lord Jagannath’s maternal uncle is a Jew named Madhabananda. The firstborn child in a household receives new clothes and sweets from the maternal uncle’s home on Prathamastami, as per the tradition.
Every year on this day, Enduri pitha is served for breakfast to Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
Summing Up
In the fourteenth century, Prathamastami became known as the people’s festival in Odisha. In addition, this is the time when good crop yields are noticed. The farmers consider this as their best time of year and feel very fortunate as a result of the solid harvest. This festival makes it clear that all of Odisha’s traditional celebrations are related to wealth and kindness.