Prathamashtami is one of the most popular festivals of Odisha. On the eighth day of the month i.e. Margasira ( December-3rd ) in which the eldest child of the family is honoured. He / She is wearing new clothes and is made to sit on a wooden pedestal.
In front of him/her a Purnakumbha or Kalasa is placed. Then, the mother or any elderly lady wishes long-life and good health by praying “Sasthi Debi” .
The first-borns are brighter and it is ultimately they who take up the burden of the family after the death of the parents. Therefore, the family tradition is maintained through them. For such obvious reasons the eldest child is honoured to occupy the respectable place in the family.
