Raja Mahotsav: Celebration kicks off with swings, ‘pitha & paan’ at Panthanivas

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to promote the traditional festival of Raja and cuisine associated with it, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) here, as every year, has organised the Raja Mahotsav at Panthanivas, beginning today. The celebration will continue till June 16.

Culture Minister Ashok Panda, MP Prasanna Patasani and MLA Priyadarsi Mishra attended the inaugural ceremony as guests. The OTDC Panthanivas in Puri, Cuttack, Chandipur, Rourkela, Gopalpur and Paradeep will also celebrate the festival for four days.

While Raja Doli (Playing swing) is the major attraction of the event,  special arrangements have been put in place by the OTDC for tourists and local residents. Peetha (Traditional cakes) including Poda, Manda, Arisha, Kakara, Chakuli and Ghughuni, Khira Gaja, Dahi Bara and Chhena Poda along with Raja Paan will be served at the Panthanivas.

Besides, a food festival is being organised at Unit-III Exhibition Ground here, where leading hoteliers and reputed SHGs will showcase different traditional food along with Raja Pitha and Paan.