Odisha celebrates ‘Raja Parb’ with gaiety and fervor

The Odia people, especially in coastal Odisha, is in a festive mood with grand celebration of “Raja Parb”.  The three -day-long festival, which falls in mid- June, is one of the major agrarian festivals of the state. While the first day is called Pahili Raja, second and third days are known as Mithuna Sankranti and Bhu daaha respectively. On the fourth day, Vasumati snan or ceremonial bath of Bhudevi is celebrated.

The Raja Parba, which celebrates Mother Earth’s fertility and the spirit of womanhood, ensures that women get a well-deserved break from the humdrum of life and pamper themselves by indulging in shopping and observing rituals.

During this festival, girls decorate themselves with new fashion or traditional Saree and Alatha in feet. Various Pithas such as Podopitha, Chakuli Pitha and Enduri Pitha are main pitha in food item. Mutton dish is also famous in raja. A special paana called the Rajo paana is also a favourite for both men & women during this festival.

Several cultural organisations are holding a host of competitions and dance and music events, while a number of hotels in Bhubaneswar organize food festivals during the three-day festival, markets are buzzing with activities.