Bhubaneswar June 14 :Odisha is a land of 13 festivals in 12 months. Raja is one of the most important festivals in Odisha. On this day, unmarried girls wear new dresses, play cards and make merry. This is a three-day-long festival to celebrate womanhood. It takes place on Mithuna Sankranti, where the second day of the festival signifies the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna from which the season of rain starts.
This is one of the most famous festivals in Odisha that pays tribute to the menstruation cycle. It is said that the Vasumati goddess got her mensuration during this time. It is believed that mother earth menstruates during these three days and a ceremonial bath takes place on the fourth day.
This day is celebrated by girls wearing new clothes, taking swings, and hanging on the tree branches. Ploughing the fields does not take place and unmarried girls celebrate as it’s their day of celebration.
Facts and Rituals related to Raja Festival:
The only festival in the world which celebrates womanhood and menstruation.
The term Raja came from Rajaswala, meaning menstruating woman.
Mother earth menstruates for three days as Ashada Masa (rainy season) steps in.
The mother earth is given a ceremonial bath on the fourth day.
The people of Odisha don’t do any kind of agricultural activity like ploughing or sowing as it is believed mother earth goes through rejuvenation.
The first day is called Pahili Raja, the second is Mithuna Sankranti, the third day is Bhudaaha or Basi Raja.
The fourth day is called Vasumati snana, in which ladies bathe the grinding stone as a symbol of Bhumi with turmeric paste and adore on flower sindoor etc.
Women wear new clothes and decorate themselves.
Women are given a break from household work and are seen spending time on swings, playing indoor and outdoor games, and eating scrumptious food.
Odisha stands out to celebrate the menstrual cycle, standing out, sending a message that women are not impure during their periods.