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RAJA PARBA FESTIVAL ODISHA

16th June, 2023

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Details

  • Celebrations surrounding the Raja Parba festivals are going on in Odisha.
  • It is a 3 day festival, an auspicious period, which ends with a traditional bathing ceremony.
  • PM Narendra Modi, congratulated people of Odisha and wished for good health, happiness and prosperity.

Raja Parba Festival of Odisha

Details

  • Raja Parba is a 3-day festival, a celebration of honouring women hood, during the month of Asadha.
  • Every woman is considered as an equivalent to mother earth and given special place and care in this festival.
  • They are not allowed to walk barefoot and supposed to take rest and play.

Name

  • It derives its name from
    • Raja – Rajaswala, a term used for menstruating women and
    • Parb – meaning festival

Objectives

  • It is celebrated to prepare for future productive agricultural activities as, according to the traditional beliefs, Mother Earth (Bhudevi) menstruates during this time.
  • This festival marks the arrival of monsoon season or solar month of Mithuna.
  • It also celebrates the Womenhood.

Celebrations

  • Worship of Budevi, wife of Lord Jagannath.
  • Varieties of cakes, known as pithas, are prepared. Various varieties are
    • Poda Pitha
    • Manda
    • Chakuli
    • Kakara
  • Saja Baja - Many young girls apply  turmeric paste and then take bath.
  • It also includes wearing of Saree or new clothes on first day of festival called Pahili
  • Various games like swing, ludo, cards are played to feel the joy during this festival.
  • Second and third day of this festival known as Mithun Sankranti and Basi Raja respectively.
  • It ends with the bathing ceremony named Basumati Snan or Basumati gadhua.

Must read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/raja-parba-festival

PRACTICE QUESTION

Festivals of India have positive implications on the issues surrounding Women Empowerment. Discuss their contribution with special reference to Raja Parb of Odisha. (150 words)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1932555