TV
The vibrant spirit of Raja Sankranti, one of Odisha’s most cherished festivals, has gripped the entire state today. From the rural heartlands to the bustling cities, the Raja Mahotsav is being celebrated with traditional fervour and cultural pride.
On the first day of the festival, people across the state were seen enjoying traditional doli khela (swing rides), a customary part of Raja. The streets and homes are filled with the delightful aroma of pithas (traditional Odia delicacies) and sweets, while the scent of Raja pan (betel leaf) adds to the festive mood.
Local Games Bring People Together
Local games like Ludo, cards, and bagudi are bringing people together in joyful gatherings. Whether it's Pattamundai in Kendrapara, Niali, Cuttack, Balasore, or Salepur, the mood remains the same—full of happiness, excitement, and cultural unity.
Raja, often described as a festival of the earth and womanhood, continues to stand strong in the age of the internet and social media. The younger generation is equally enthusiastic, celebrating the festival with deep respect for Odisha’s rich heritage and customs.
Raja in Bhubaneswar
In the state capital, Bhubaneswar, the celebrations are equally grand, with events, food stalls, and cultural programs drawing large crowds. This annual festival is a testimony to Odisha’s enduring traditions and the community’s unbreakable bond with its cultural roots.
Raja in Balasore:
Unlike other parts of Odisha, Raja is celebrated uniquely in Balasore. As part of the celebrations, Maa Mangala Tarini’s Rath Yatra takes over the streets of Remuna with the participation of thousands of devotees.
“This celebration is very unique and happens only in Balasore. Maa Mangala Tarini’s Rath Yatra has been observed here for the last few decades. The Rath will be pulled for around 8 kilometres, and all the devotees have happily participated, and there is not one single untoward incident,” informed the temple priest.
Raja in Cuttack Mahanga:
In another unique celebration of Raja, women in Cuttack’s Mahanga perform ‘kandhei puja’ on this auspicious occasion. Different types of toys are offered as prayers to mark the occasion.
“On this day, we offer prayers to nature, be it in the form of land, trees, or any other living being. We are all living beings and will perish one day. So, we mark the Raja with prayers to nature in the form of toys,” informed a local woman devotee.
