Bhubaneswar, Dec 8: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday extended his greetings to all the firstborns of the State on the occasion of ‘Prathamastami’.

The Chief Minister also wished the people of the State to be filled with happiness and prosperity through the grace of Lord Jagannath.

In a tweet in Odia, the Chief Minister said, “My heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Holy Prathamastami. This tradition of worshiping the eldest children of the house is a unique example of our culture. I wish all the best to Lord Jagannath.”

Prathamastami falls on the Astami tithi (eighth day) of Krushna Paksha (dark fortnight) in Odia month of Margashira (November-December).

Lord Ganesha, Shashti Devi and the family deity are worshipped on the occasion.

The ritual involves the Aarati of the eldest child by mother and relatives. On this day the maternal uncle sends the items necessary for the rituals. The main delicacy of the day is ‘Enduri Pitha’