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Raja, A Festival Of Fun, Frolic & Mouthwatering Delicacies





Raja, A Festival Of Fun, Frolic & Mouthwatering Delicacies

Raja is a quintessential festival of Odisha celebrated each year during the Odia month of Asadha (2nd week of June). Unique in many aspects, Raja is counted as one of the major agrarian festivals of the state and is celebrated in complete grandeur, predominantly in the coastal districts of Odisha. What makes Raja so special is the unique amalgamation of rich tradition along with fun, frolic and mouth-watering cuisines amidst the first showers of monsoon. A festival that in true sense aids to reconnect with one’s family and roots.

Listed below are some important facts that sum up the most joyous Odia festival, Raja

1. The Festival

Raja is primarily observed for three days. The very first day of this three-day-long festival is termed as Pahili Raja which is also considered to be the last day of the month of Jestha (summers).  The second day is named as Raja Sankranti; the first day of the month of Asadha (monsoons). The concluding day is named in the local dialect as Bhuin Dahana which is also known as Sesa Raja (last day). However, the festival in some parts of the region actually ranges for a period of four days and it is termed as Basumata Puja or Basumata Gadhua (Bathing & praying of mother earth).

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2. Associated Legends

It is believed that during the festival of Raja, mother earth undergoes her menstruation. Hence, in order to give rest to the mother earth, it is advised to abstain from all kinds of agricultural work along with a prohibition on digging of soil or tempering it in any possible manner.

Considering this state of mother earth, the women folk particularly, the unmarried girls are forbidden from all kinds of regular domestic activities. The list of restrictions starts from not carrying out any kitchen activities, sweeping floors, combing of hairs and walking barefoot. Having said this, with the advent of time some of these restrictions are seldom followed especially in urban localities.

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Pic Courtesy: mathrubhumi

3. Time of fun for women

Abstained from all sorts of domestic work and physical labour, the women of the community deck themselves up in the most adorable manner during these three days. Adorned with new clothes, alta and other traditional attires, they cheerfully indulge in fun and frolic of the festivity. From playing on swings to engaging in different games to savouring mouth-watering delicacies; Raja is indeed the best time for the girls.

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4. Men folk too have their share of Fun

Raja is not only an all-girls’ affair, but the festivity of Raja is also so gripping that it gets all the men folk residing in different parts of the state and the country to go back to their villages. Getting laid back, enjoying the lip-smacking cuisines, playing cards with village buddies to indulging in nostalgic games like Kabbadi, ludo and others. Who can resist not returning home in such an engrossing festival!

Raja-Odisha-Games-Kabbadi
Pic Courtesy: dailymail

5. Mouthwatering Traditional Delicacies

When we talk of Raja, one thing that instantly comes to our mind is ‘Poda Pitha’. The aroma and taste of this particular pitha are so alluring that it happens to be Lord Jagannath’s favourite and is savoured by him each time after having the meal. Other than the poda pitha, delicacies like Arisa pitha, mutton curry and raja pana make it one of the dearest and special festival in every Odia household.

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6. Filmy Extravaganza

Raja from the very beginning has been one of the most preferred and sought after festivals for the Ollywood filmmakers. In fact, some of the biggest hits of Odia cinema have happened during Raja. Engrossed in the festivity and leisurely mood, people flock in large numbers along with their kith and kin to the nearest theatres.  

7. A Festival Like No Other

Raja is one of the most unique festivals which has a blend of rich tradition along with fun and frolic. The entire family and village come together and enjoys the festival with the utmost joy. Playing multitudes of nostalgic games with your dearest friends, visiting friends’ and relatives houses to savour the tempting traditional cuisine, sitting on the swing and relishing the Poda Pitha and Raja pana and spending amiable time with family amidst the first showers of monsoon makes Raja a festival like no other.

Raja-Odisha-Swing-Doli

Raja indeed is a unique festival among all the festivals that Odias celebrate. Wishing all of you a very Happy Raja.

Take a look on the below video depicting the beautifully compiled Raja Anthem ‘Banaste asila Raja’  by Radio Choklate team.

Author: Pradyumna prusty

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