Prathamastami (Pradamashtami) is observed on Margasira Krishna Astami, the eighth day in the first half of Margashir month in Odiya calendar. In 2017, Prathamashtami date is November 11. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in Orissa.
Pradamashtami is dedicated to worship Sati Debi. Women perform Sati Debi puja for health and wellbeing of their children. It is said that the vrata is mainly observed for their eldest children. A special recipe called ‘enduri is prepared on this day and offered to the deity.
Prathamashtami is a jubilant occasion in Laingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar. In this temple, the deity is taken for procession in a palanquin to ‘Papanasini, a lake or pond made especially for ritual bath, at the temple. It attracts thousands of devotees.
Prathamashtami is celebrated as Kalabhairav Ashtami in other North Indian states. In Andhra Pradesh, Maha Paitha Kacchapa vratam is observed on this day.