Odisha Celebrates Raja Sankranti with Traditional Fervor

Odisha, India – June 15, 2024: The vibrant festival of Raja Sankranti, also known as Mithun Sankranti, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across Odisha. This three-day festival, which marks the onset of the monsoon season and honors the feminine forces of nature, began yesterday with people engaging in various traditional activities and rituals.Raja Sankranti is a unique festival dedicated to womanhood and fertility, symbolizing the Earth’s menstrual cycle. It is believed that during this period, Mother Earth undergoes her annual menstruation, and just as women take rest during their cycle, the Earth too is given a respite from agricultural activities. This festival, thus, is an ode to both nature and women.The first day of the festival, known as Pahili Raja, saw people preparing for the festivities by cleaning their homes and decorating them with colorful rangoli designs. Women and girls donned new clothes, typically sarees, and adorned themselves with traditional jewelry. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as swings were set up in trees, and women indulged in the joy of swinging, symbolizing the celebration of life and the arrival of the monsoon.The second day, Mithuna Sankranti, is the most significant of the three days. It marks the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna and is considered an auspicious time. Devotees performed various rituals, including bathing in sacred rivers, as it is believed to purify the soul. The day also involves prayers to Lord Jagannath and other deities, seeking blessings for a prosperous agricultural season.Traditional foods play a central role in the celebrations. Special dishes such as Poda Pitha, a rice cake cooked over slow fire, and other sweet delicacies made from rice, jaggery, and coconut are prepared and enjoyed by families. These dishes not only add to the festive spirit but also reflect the rich culinary heritage of Odisha.On the third day, Basi Raja, the festivities continue with people visiting friends and relatives, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts. The mood remains jovial with folk songs, dances, and games like puchi and ludo being played, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.Apart from the traditional customs, Raja Sankranti has also become a time for promoting women’s rights and addressing issues related to menstruation. Various NGOs and social groups organize awareness campaigns to educate people about menstrual hygiene and break the taboos associated with it. This modern addition to the festival highlights the evolving nature of cultural celebrations in contemporary society.The celebration of Raja Sankranti is not just limited to rural areas but has also found its place in urban settings. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri witness grand events, with cultural programs, fairs, and exhibitions showcasing the state’s heritage and traditions. Tourists from different parts of the country and abroad flock to Odisha during this time to experience the unique charm of Raja Sankranti.As Odisha basks in the festive spirit, Raja Sankranti serves as a reminder of the deep connection between nature, culture, and the empowerment of women. It is a celebration that transcends mere rituals, embodying the essence of life and the nurturing force of the Earth.With each passing year, Raja Sankranti continues to reinforce the cultural fabric of Odisha, bringing people together in joyous celebration and communal harmony.