Mumbai: Raja Parba, a cultural festival held from June 14 to June 16 in Odisha, India, is a vibrant celebration of womanhood. This three-day event honours Bhuma Devi, Mother Earth, through various rituals and traditions.
Days of celebration
Pahili Raja (First Day): This marks the beginning of the festival.
Mithuna Sankranti (Second Day): The most significant day, symbolising the start of the monsoon season and the Earth’s menstrual cycle.
Bhudaaha or Basi Raja (Third Day): The concluding day, during which women perform rituals to honour Bhumi Devi.
The day before the festival, known as Sajabaja or Preparatory Day, involves thorough cleaning of the house, kitchen, and grinding stones. Spices are ground in preparation for the upcoming days. During the festival, women take a break from their daily chores, dress in new sarees and jewellery, and engage in various celebratory activities.
Also known as the Swing Festival, various swings like Ram Doli, Charki Doli, Pata Doli, and Dandi Doli are hung from tree branches, and girls swing on them while singing folk songs.
Rituals and celebrations
On the final day, women bathe a grinding stone, representing Bhumi Devi, with turmeric paste, flowers, and sindoor. They also offer a variety of seasonal fruits to the goddess, symbolising fertility and prosperity.
Raja Parba coincides with Mithuna Sankranti, an important event in the Odia calendar, and is a time when all construction and earth-digging activities are halted to show respect to Mother Earth, who is believed to be undergoing her menstrual cycle during this period. The term ‘Raja’ is derived from the Odia word for menstruation, highlighting the festival’s focus on fertility and the significance of menstruation in womanhood.
How to observe Raja Sankranti
Take a break from work: Residents of Odisha typically take time off to enjoy the festivities.
Try new fashion items: Unmarried girls often use this time to wear new clothes and jewellery.
Play indoor games: Indoor games are a popular activity among women, fostering bonding and relaxation.
Significance of Raja Sankranti
Celebration of womanhood: Raja Parba is a tribute to the beauty and power of womanhood, celebrating the unique aspects of femininity.
Opportunity to relax: The festival provides women with a much-needed break from their daily routines, allowing them to rest and rejuvenate.
Environmental sanitation: The preparatory cleaning emphasises the importance of maintaining a clean and tidy environment.
Raja Parba is a unique festival that not only celebrates the vital role of women in society but also underscores the significance of respecting and nurturing Mother Earth.
Raja Sankranti 2024, celebrated from June 14 to June 16 in Odisha, is a vibrant three-day festival that honours womanhood and Mother Earth. The festival features traditional rituals such as bathing a symbolic representation of Bhumi Devi, offering seasonal fruits, and dressing in new sarees and ornaments. It marks a period of rest and celebration for women, emphasising the significance of menstruation and fertility. Join the festivities and experience the rich cultural heritage of Odisha during this unique celebration. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
