Prathamastami is a rite is held in Orissa, India, for the life and prosperity of the eldest child who is offered a lighted lamp ovation by the senior female relatives followed by elaborate rituals during which the Mantra

Mantra

A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...

s are recited. The celebration falls on the dark half eighth day - Ashtami - of the month of Margashirsha according to the Purnimanta calendar followed in North India

North India

North India, known natively as Uttar Bhārat or Shumālī Hindustān , is a loosely defined region in the northern part of India. The exact meaning of the term varies by usage...

, occurring after the eight day of Kartik Purnima.
The ritual involves Aarathi

Aarathi

Aarathi is an Indian actress and producer of Kannada movies.She first became popular during the late 1970s and 1980s, and was recognised for her roles in movies such as Naagarahaavu, Edakallu Guddada Mele, Bili Hendthi, Dharmasere, Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, Ranganayaki, Hombisilu, Upaasane and...

 of the eldest child by mother and relatives in which the maternal uncle sends the items necessary for the ritual, and Ganesha

Ganesha

Ganesha , also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh, also known as Ganapati , Vinayaka , and Pillaiyar , is one of the deities best-known and most widely worshipped in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations...

, Shashti

Shashti

Shashti is the sixth day or tithi of a pakSha or fourteen-day phase of the moon. The word comes from the Sanskrit cardinal ShaRh , whence the ordinal number ShaShTha , fem...

 devi and the family deity are worshipped. The main delicacy of the day is Enduri Pitha

Enduri Pitha

Enduri Pitha is a variety of Pitha made in the Indian state of Orissa on the occasion of Prathamastami.-Ingredients:Turmeric leaves, Black Gram, Rice flour, Coconut, Jaggery, Black pepper, Chhena-Benefits:...

.