Shukla Paksha

What is Prathama

The presiding deity of the first lunar day is Agni and it is good for all types of auspicious and religious ceremonies.

Meaning of Prathama

Shukla Pratipad is the name for the 1st Tithi (lunar day) of Shuklapaksha and the 1st day of whole lunar month. It's nature is Vriddhi Prada, which can be interpreted as "rise giver". It's good for following works: marriage; house, entering into a house; Pratishta (fame, honor); shaving; Samskaras like Seemantha, tonsure, Upanayana; peaceful & developmental works; farming; intoxicant & medicine making; oiling; bed; sitting items (Aassan), stone work, cutting of trees, sculpture, Alankar (ornament & decoration works). NB! Some classical sources say that a person must consult astrologer before doing something important from list of actions suitable for Vriddhi Prada Tithi. It's because of the fact that Shukla Pratipad goes right after Krishna Amavasya and because of that Vriddhi Prada works can be performed only during Krishna Pratipad Tithi.

Festive Prathama

• Gudhi Padva, the Marathi name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This day is also the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash Sthapana is done on this day.[1]
• Govardhan Puja, a North Indian festival, occurs on Prathama in the month of Kartik.
• Bali Pratipada, a South Indian and Maharashtrian festival, also occurs on Prathama in the month of Kartik.
• Ugadi, the Telugu name for Chaitra Shuddha Padyami. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu Shalivahan Shaka calendar.