Sudipta Mishra, 14 June 2024
Raja is the most unique and unconventional festival in Odisha. The cultural heritage of Odisha is rich and magnificent enough to evoke awe and beauty in the mind of an outsider. Hence, Odisha stands stupendously different by celebrating this particular festival over the years. Raja is otherwise known as a Menstruation Festival where Fertility is worshipped. Women are pampered and privileged with special treatment. The word Menstruation is still taboo to even utter in different parts of our country. Even now we are getting various illogical and infuriating ideas about the term Menstruation. However, Odisha is an agrarian society that co-relates the fertility of Mother Earth with that of a woman in this Raja Festival. Raja literally comes from the term Rajaswala which means a menstruating woman. It is a prevalent notion that Basudha (Earth) conceived as a feminine entity goes through the three consecutive days of the periodic cycle and receives a ceremonial bath on the fourth day.
The first day is signified as Pahili Raja. The second day is perceived as Mithun Sankranti and the third day is termed as Sesa Raja. The fourth day is called Vasumati Snana. These four days have their exclusive significance. All types of agricultural work are postponed during the first three days.
Like the reproductive ability of a woman, Mother Earth is also believed to reproduce in the same way. So land goes through regeneration. Not a single work of cultivation is practiced, therefore, in the first three days. Even in rural areas, girls are prohibited from walking around barefoot. Rather, they use sandals made from banana trees which are known as Patoka. Ladies and girls are given the best opportunities to look good in gorgeous outfits with a decorative bindi. Alata is the most special make-up item during Raja. Even Mehendi is one of the indispensable materials for decorating hands. Authentic Odia cuisine like rice cakes is made in houses with the value of spreading happiness and the charm of unity between families and friends. The rich tradition and culture of Odisha are marvelously portrayed through the celebration of Raja. Different types of indoor and outdoor games are played to spread happiness and oneness between family members. Women and girls are given a complete break from all household activities. They are mostly seen spending their time on swings during these three days.
The fourth or the last day observes the ceremonial bath of Basumata which justifies the end of the Menstruation period of Mother Earth. Last, but not the least, there are also atmospheric changes that occur during these days. The advent of the rainy season with the departure of the summer season with a gift of ample production of fruits and vegetables brings joy to the hearts of everyone. Hence, celebration and merry-making add special charm to this festival.
Raja, which is an agricultural festival of Incredible Odisha, worships Mother Earth as the perineal source of all reproduction and regeneration processes. Similarly, Raja Festival also reinforces a woman who is bestowed with the divine power of recreation and reproduction. The festivities on these four days not only invite guests from the neighborhood but also cherish the vibes of positivity all around. The Odia people around the world wait for this local festival for over a year to celebrate the rich legacy of their state with a charm of overwhelming eagerness and they embrace each and every aspect of their culture with pride and glory. This is the only festival of Odisha that unites them through a single thread of unity and peace.
