From traditional pithas to paan, Pahili Raja marks joyful start of Odisha’s festival dedicated to womanhood

The vibrant festival of Raja began across Odisha on Saturday with the celebration of Pahili Raja, the first of the three-day-long festivities dedicated to womanhood. 

From the quiet villages to the bustling cities, the air got thick with excitement, tradition, and the irresistible aroma of freshly prepared pithas and sweets.

Preparations for the Raja Mahotsav were underway for days, and now the celebrations are in full swing. Swings, or Raja Doli, have been beautifully decorated and installed across homes, backyards, and public spaces, drawing children and women eager to enjoy this once-a-year joyride.

Traditional Delicacies to Raja Paan

The scent of delicacies like poda pitha, kakara, and other traditional sweets drifts through the air while the ever-popular Raja paan adds a fragrant note to the celebration. 

Alongside the culinary delights, traditional indoor games such as ludo, playing cards, and bagudi are reviving old bonds and bringing families together.

“Raja is the soul of Odisha’s cultural calendar,” said a homemaker in Cuttack. “It’s the time we celebrate rest, renewal, and womanhood, all while enjoying swings, songs, and sweets.”

Last Minute Shopping

Various localities have made special arrangements for Raja Dolis, ensuring the festival spirit reaches everyone—from small children to young women. Streets and markets came alive yesterday, as women and girls stepped out in large numbers for last-minute shopping. Dressed in vibrant traditional attire and accessories, they added a splash of colour and grace to the festive scenes, particularly in coastal towns and other major areas.

How Raja is Celebrated?

The Raja festival spans four delightful days—Pahili Raja, Raja Sankranti, Basi Raja, and Vasumati Snana. Pahili Raja ushers in the celebration with new clothes, swings, and festive treats. 

The second day, Raja Sankranti, holds the highest significance, symbolizing the menstruation of Mother Earth, a sacred time honoring femininity and fertility. 

Basi Raja, the third day, continues the joy with family games, folk songs, and feasting. 

The festival concludes with Vasumati Snana, where the mother goddess, represented by a grinding stone, is bathed with turmeric and scented water—marking purification, renewal, and respect for womanhood and nature.