Raja Festival In Odisha 2023
Raja Festival also known as Raja Parba in odisha. It is a 3 day long festival celebrated in odisha, India. This festival marks the end of the summer solstice and the beginning of the monsoon season. This year Raja Festival is celebrated on 14, 15 and 16th June Of 2023.
Odisha is the land of Lord Jagannath, where people celebrate 13 festivals in 12 months. Among all festivals Raja Parba is one of them. This festival is a tribute to Goddess Vasumati (Earth). It is said that the Goddess Vasumati got her menstruation during these days and on the 4th day took a ceremonial bath known as Vasumati Snana or Bashumati Gadhua. During 3 days of the festival all agricultural work is suspended to respect mother earth.
The Raja Festival in odisha is a lively and enchanting celebration that holds immense cultural significance for the state. The Raja Parba is a magnificent celebration that marks agriculture, joy and womanhood. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Odia people.
Raja is an abbreviation used for a Sanskrit word “Rajaswala” (meaning a menstruation woman). It is celebrated across odisha and Odias living outside. The term Raja came from the Sanskrit word “Rajas”.
The First Day Of Raja Festival: Pahili Raja 2023
The first day of the Raja Festival is known as “Pahili Raja”. Here “Pahili” means the first day. This year Pahili Raja celebrated on Wednesday, 14 June, 2023. It is also considered to be the last day of the month Jestha. This day is dedicated to celebrating the womanhood of young girls. Women & girls engage in various traditional games, swing (Raja Doli) and cultural activities. The day before Pahili Raja is known as Sajabaja. On this day preparation for Raja festival started.
The Second Day Of Raja Festival: Raja Sankranti 2023
The 2nd day of Raja Festival is known as “Raja Sankaranti”, “Mithuna Sankranti” or “Majhi Raja”. This year Raja Sankarati is celebrated on Thursday 15 June, 2023. It is also considered to be the 1st day of the month Asadha from which the monsoon or rainy season starts.
The 3rd Day Of Raja Festival: Bhumi Dahana or Basi Raja 2023
The 3rd Day Of Raja Festival is known as Bhumi Dahana or Basi Raja or Sesha Raja. This year the last day of Raja or Bhumi Dahana is celebrated on Friday 16 June, 2023.
The 4th Day Of Raja Festival: Basumati Snana 2023
The final 4th day of Raja Festival is known as “Basumati Snana” or “Basumati Gadhua”. On this day a ceremonial bath takes place, in which the ladies & women bathe the grinding stone, agricultural equipment as a symbol of Bhudevi with turmeric paste, flower and sindoor. On this day various types of fruits are offered to the Goddess Vasumati (Earth).
Significance Of Raja Festival
Raja Parba is a 3 day long festival celebrated for womanhood and worship of mother Earth. The first day of Raja Festival known as Pahili Raja, 2nd day of Raja known as “Raja Sankranti”, “Mithuna Sankranti” & the 3rd day of Raja known as “Basi Raja” or “Sesha Raja”. After the one day of last Raja is known as “Basumati Snana” held by ladies & women.
The Raja festival in odisha carries deep cultural significance and agricultural heritage. In this festival worship of mother Earth and celebrate the arrival of monsoon. The festival is also associated with the worship of earth and womanhood and pays homage to the creative power of women in nurturing and sustaining life. This festival also provides us with knowledge about sustainable development.