After a break of two long years due to Covid pandemic, Jajpur has geared up for the celebration of womanhood, ‘Raja’, in full swing.
In Khanditara, Balichandrapur, Chhatia, Bari, Dharmasala, Badachana and other areas, the three- day -long Raja festival is celebrated with display of the traditional martial art and other sports. Many villagers used to practise wrestling , sword fighting, Paika Akhada, Bagudi, horse dance and Kabadi in earlier times. But presently, this is rarely done as the younger generation has least knowledge of them, which is rather lured by television, mobile and internet surfing.
“Raja festival is also called as monsoon festival as the farmers start cultivation after the Raja. This is the time when monsoon generally reaches Odisha. The villagers here have organised events on martial art and sports to add warmth to the festival," said former Minster Prafulla Chandra Ghadai.
Raja has deep significance especially for the agricultural community of Odisha, as it is believed to bring rainfall and hence water for their crops. Besides, it celebrates womanhood and the menstrual cycle. The word Raja is derived from Rajaswala, meaning menstruation. The festival has contributed to raising awareness about the menstrual cycle and accepting it throughout the ages without stigma. It is believed that Mother Earth herself is “menstruating” during these three days, and hence no agricultural activities like tilling, sowing, or construction are carried out during this period of time. Young girls are pampered by their parents, given sweet treats to eat, new dresses to wear, and allowed to play and make merry all day long.
After 3 days of celebration, the Mother Earth is symbolically given a bath called Basumati Gaadhua and then prayed for a prosperous agricultural year ahead.
According to writer Taraprasad Mishra, women are given relief from their daily household chores like cooking, sweeping, cleaning, etc. Young girls bedeck themselves with beautiful ornaments and new clothes on the occasion of Raja. Sweetmeats like Poda Pitha, Arisa Pitha, Kakra Pitha, Sara Puli, Chhena Poda, Chhena Puli, Saru Chakuli, and a variety of other traditional Odia cuisines are prepared during the time.
A popular gift for girls is a pair of anklets made out of silver, as well as other ornaments. Women play cards and make merry together for the 3 days that are celebrated as Pahili Raja, Raja Sankranti, and Sesa Raja. An important Raja ritual is the building of swings for young girls everywhere, whether it is outdoors or just outside the house. Girls and young women play on these swings and enjoy the days which are dedicated to them.
