The Raja festival, celebrated over three days in Odisha, is a vibrant celebration honoring womanhood and nature. It features traditional rituals like turmeric baths and ‘alta’ application, festive foods like ‘poda pitha’, and activities like ‘doli khela’. Each day holds unique significance, embracing cultural heritage and seasonal transitions. The day before the festival starts, known as ‘Sajabaja’, is a grand prelude to the festival, where women prepare for the event by taking turmeric baths, applying ‘alta’, and enjoying’shringar’. Cooking is prohibited during the festival.
The festival unfolds over three days, each carrying its unique essence.
The first day, ‘Pahili Raja’, marks the end of ‘Jestha’ (Summer),
The second day, ‘Raja Sankranti’, signifies the arrival of ‘Asadha’, the rainy season, and
The third day, ‘Sesa Raja’ or ‘Bhuin Dahana’, is a time of bidding farewell to the festival and expressing gratitude to Mother Earth.
During the festival, girls wear new clothes, indulge in delectable cuisines, and participate in the ‘doli khela’ tradition, which involves decorating swings with ropes in trees and singing and dancing. The festival is a time of celebration, symbolizing the sweetness and joy of the festival.
