THREAD on an Odia Festival ‘ #Prathamastami’

Prathamastami is a festival that celebrates the firstborn child of every family. On this day, the first child is called ‘Podhuan’.

It is observed on the Krushna Paksha Astami in the lunar month Margasira.

1/n https://bit.ly/Prathamashtami 

We people call it #Prathamastami, because by Odia Panji, Margasira is the first month of our calendar.
And though it is the first Astami of the year, we call so.
The maternal uncles, who are labelled as ‘ashtami bandhu’ present the first borns with new clothes along with..

2/n

..sweets and delicacies.

The family, especially the mothers pray for the well-being and long life of their firstborn (may son or daughter) as it is a belief that the first child becomes the flagbearer of responsibilities in the family after the death of parents.

3/n

Goddess Sasthi Devi is prayed to on this occasion. The special ‘Enduri Pitha’ is made at this time of the year, in every household to commemorate  #Prathamastami. Made by a pot (called the athaara handi) with its mouth tied with a cloth is mounted on the hearth on which..

4/n

..turmeric leaves containing elongated-shaped batter is filled with chenna, jaggery and grated coconut stuffing, rice-black gram batter on the leaf. It is covered to steam properly and get cooked before being served.
Enduri Pitha is identified by the aroma of turmeric leaves.
5/5