Bhubaneswar: Families across Odisha celebrated Prathamastami on Wednesday, a festival dedicated to the firstborn child, with rituals, prayers, and traditional delicacies, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage. Observed on the ‘Ashtami’ of the ‘Margashirsha’ month, the festival is considered an occasion to bless the eldest son or daughter with health, prosperity, and long life.

On this special day, the firstborn, affectionately called the “Podhuan,” receives special attention from family members. Mothers and elders offer prayers to Goddess Sasthi Devi, seeking blessings for the child’s well-being.

In many households, maternal uncles, known as ‘Ashtami Bandhu,’ play a vital role by presenting the ‘Podhuan’ with new clothes, sweets, and festive delicacies as a mark of affection and

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