New Delhi, June 14: President Droupadi Murmu has conveyed her best wishes to the people of Odisha on the occasion of the significant ‘Raja’ festival. She took to the social media platform ‘X’ to express, “On the occasion of the harvest festival ‘Raja’, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, especially those in Odisha.”
President Murmu highlighted, “This delightful festival, celebrated during the monsoon season, honors the Earth, Mother, and the clouds. Amid festivities like Pitha, betel leaves, and swings, ‘Raja’ reminds us of living in harmony with nature. I hope the special spirit of the ‘Raja’ festival inspires us to dedicate ourselves to nation-building. On this festive occasion of ‘Raja’, I wish happiness, peace, and prosperity for the people of the state and the nation.”
Notably, the Raja festival is a three-day celebration of femininity observed in Odisha. It is believed that during the first three days of this festival, the Hindu goddess Bhumi, who embodies the Earth Mother and is the consort of Lord Vishnu, undergoes her menstrual cycle. The fourth day is referred to as ‘Basumati Snan’ or the formal bathing of the Earth. The term ‘Raja’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rajas’, which means menstruation, and a menstruating woman is called ‘Rajaswala’.
Historically, this festival gained popularity as an agricultural celebration, where the land is worshipped. Goddess Bhumi is revered as the consort of Lord Vishnu in his regional form, Jagannath. A silver idol of Bhumi is also present next to Jagannath in the Puri temple.
The festival occurs in mid-June. The first day is called ‘Pahili Raja’, the second day ‘Mithun Sankranti’, and the third day ‘Bhudaha’ or ‘Basi Raja’. The final day, ‘Basumati Snan’, involves women bathing a grinding stone, symbolizing the Earth, with turmeric paste and adorning it with flowers and vermilion. Seasonal fruits are offered to Mother Earth. The day before the first day is known as ‘Sajabaja’ or preparation day, during which homes and kitchens (including grinding stones) are cleaned, and spices are ground for three days. During these three days, women and girls take a break from work, don new sarees and jewelry, and apply alta. This festival is akin to the ‘Ambubachi Mela’ and is one of the most famous festivals in Odisha, celebrated continuously for three days.
Leave a Comment