AS i'm from Orissa(shortly named as Odisha), i'm here explaining one festival detail.Today(10th Nov,2009) is Prathamastami festival , and this festival is celebrated for elder child in the family. Usually this festival is celebrated in the eighth day of the month of Margashira(November-Decemcer) .
New clothes presented to the eldest child and the clothes supposed to be given by mother's family.In fornt of him/her an earthen pitcher, full of water is placed.Above it a branch of mango leaves containing either 9 leaves or 7 leaves and a coconut is placed.
Then, the mother or any other elderly lady wishes him /her long-life and good health by praying Sasthi Debi(the Goddess that protects children).The social significanc of this festival is that the first-borns are brighter and it is ultimately they who take up the burden of the family after the death of the parents.So to protect the kid from all danger mother of the eldest child used to worship Goddess Sasthi .
A special prasad on this occasion is known as Enduri Pitha(haldi patra pitha) made on this occassion to offer Goddess Sasthi . Enduri pitha is nothing but the rice cake with coconut & stuffings and it's cover with termeric leaves and steamed, it's very much similar to Idly. Enduri Pitha is first offered to Deity Sasthi then only kids and other family members can have food in this special day. In few family they offer Enduri pitha along with rice, dal , curry , pudding etc.I'm adding few snaps so that you can see it very closely.
