The onset of winters brings a bag full of joy for the eldest child of every Odia household. The reason? The festival of Prathamashtami falls in the month of Margashirsha to pray Goddess Shashthi for the well-being of the firstborn child of the house. The maternal uncles showered the eldest child with gifts and sweets.
As the firstborn, I eagerly wait for the festival of Prathamashtami as soon as the nip in the air is felt. I mean, who doesn’t want gifts and all the attention from the entire family even if it's for one day? However, the festival also brought many angry and jealous glares from my sister. No single Prathmashtami was spent without a bitter fight of taunts between both of us. But if there’s one thing that is common between us on Prathamashtami is the love for Enduri Pitha. Exclusively made on the day, Enduri Pithas are made by steaming an urad dal and rice batter in turmeric leaves. No matter if you are planning to celebrate Prathamashtami, you must try Enduri Pitha at home. To complete your platter, here are three curries you can serve with the soft and delicious pithas.
1. Dalma
The classic Odia lentil and vegetable curry, Dalma is perfect to go with any Odia pitha let alone Enduri Pitha. A quintessential Odia curry, Dalma is easy, healthy and decadent too.
2. Ghuguni
Needless to say, an Odia cannot imagine any special occasion without a big bowl of aromatic and delicious Ghuguni. Made with chickpeas in an onion and tomatoes gravy, Ghuguni will deliciously complement the fragrant Enduri Pithas.
3. Mangsha Jhola
Although one cannot eat nonveg on the day of the festival, there is no harm in storing or making a fresh batch of Enduri Pithas the next day. The spicy and flavourful mutton curry is perfect to go with the soft Enduri Pithas. You can always serve a wedge of lemon along with raw onion rings on the side to amp up the flavours.
We hope these curries will make your Prathasmashtami more delicious and joyous. Do try them out with Enduri Pithas and let us know how you like them.