RAJA PARBA FESTIVAL ODISHA - UPSC Current Affairs

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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