Three-day Raja Parba celebrations begin across Odisha, marking onset of monsoon
Bhubaneswar, June 15
The three-day Raja Parba festival is being celebrated across Odisha with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, marking the onset of the monsoon season and honouring womanhood, fertility and Mother Earth.
One of Odisha's most significant cultural festivals, Raja Parba is associated with agriculture, nature and the celebration of femininity. The festival commenced on June 14 and is observed through traditional customs, cultural activities and the preparation of special Odia delicacies.
Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi described Raja Parba as a unique festival that celebrates women and Odisha's cultural traditions.
"Raja Parba is a truly extraordinary festival in Odisha, a celebration by women and for women, where we honour and revere womanhood. For three days, women enjoy themselves and prepare traditional Odia delicacies," Sarangi said.
Highlighting the festival's connection with agriculture and the monsoon season, she added, "It marks the onset of the monsoon season, a time when paddy and other crops are sown. Thus, it is deeply connected to agriculture, to women, and to the earth itself."
Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural traditions, the BJP MP said, "Our goal must remain the same, that is to preserve our culture, enrich it further, and make it even more beautiful."
A three-day festival, 'Raja Parba', which celebrates the onset of monsoons and earth's womanhood, commenced from June 14 across Odisha and is associated with traditional customs, delicacies, and cultural festivities centred around reverence for nature.
The first, second and third days of 'Raja Parba' are called 'Pahili Rajo, 'Mithuna Sankranti', and Bhu Daaha' or 'Basi Raja', respectively. The fourth day, which marks the ceremonial bath, is called 'Vasumati Snana.' Conducted around mid-June every year, men also participate in this festival with full fervour.
The festival, which started as a tribal practice, is based on the belief that Mother Earth menstruates for those three days and she is given a ceremonial bath on the fourth day.
As part of the celebrations, girls wear new dresses, enjoy the 'Doli Jhula' and savour traditional delicacies, with some notable dishes being 'Podo Pitha', 'Manda Pitha' and 'Arisha Pitha'.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the occasion and highlighted the festival's deep connection with nature and cultural values.
"On the occasion of the harvest festival 'Raja', I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, especially the people of Odisha," the President wrote in a post on X.
Describing the cultural essence of the festival, she said, "This inviting festival of the monsoon season is celebrated to honour the earth, the mother, and the clouds. Within the festivities of pithas, betel leaves, and swing games, Raja reminds us to live in harmony with nature."
The President further expressed hope that the values associated with the festival would inspire people towards collective progress and nation-building.
"I hope that this special essence of the Raja festival will inspire us to dedicate ourselves to nation-building," she added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Odisha, I'm glad to see this festival getting coverage. It reminds us of our roots—pitha, swings, and new clothes. The fact that President Murmu also acknowledged it shows how important these regional festivals are.
Fascinating! Coming from the UK, I never knew about Raja Parba. The concept of giving the earth a rest while honouring its fertility is so poetic. It's wonderful that festivals like these are still celebrated with such joy. Wishing everyone in Odisha a happy Raja!
While Raja is great, I wish the article had highlighted how men also participate and contribute. My father and uncles always help with setting up the swings and preparing pithas. This festival is truly a family affair, not just for women. 👍
Brings back memories of childhood—the smell of podo pitha and swinging on the doli with cousins. Glad to see the tradition is alive, especially in cities. A little more promotion of Odia cuisine and culture in schools would help.
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