Why do we celebrate Raja Sankranti?

It takes place on Mithuna Sankranti, where the second day of the festival signifies the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna from which the season of rain starts. This is one of the most famous festivals in Odisha that pays tribute to the menstruation cycle.

What is Raja Sankranti in Odisha?

In 2022, the festival of Raja Sankranti is celebrated on 15 June, Wednesday.

Which day of Raja is known as Raja Sankranti?

Raja is primarily observed for three days. This year, Raja will be celebrated from 15 June to 18 June. The first day is termed as Pahili Raja, which is also considered the last day of the month Jestha (summers). The second day is named Raja Sankranti, the first day of Asadha (monsoons).

What is the story behind Raja festival?

Raja is an abbreviation used for Rajaswala (meaning a menstruating woman) and is celebrated across Odisha and Odias living outside. It signifies the menstrual cycle of the earth similar to that of a woman. Similar to women, the earth is considered to be in a latent stage during these days.

How do you celebrate Raja?

Break from household for women
Play indoor gamesUnmarried girls try new fashion or traditional Saree and Alatha in feet
Raja/Observances

What should we do on Raja Sankranti?

Traditions of Raja Sankranti No farming takes place and everyone abstains from walking barefoot on the earth. This is to prepare the earth for the coming rain. Unmarried girls will dress in new clothes or wear traditional Saree and Alata (red dye) on their feet.

How many days we celebrate Raja in Odisha?

three days
Raja is primarily observed for three days. The very first day of this three day long festival is termed as Pahili Raja which is also considered to be the last day of the month Jestha (summers).

What is Raja celebrated in Odisha?

This ritual of celebrating the menstrual cycle of Mother Earth through Raja festival is an acknowledgement of the fact that the society had no taboo regarding the menstruation of women in past days.

Is puja done during Raja festival?

The concluding day is named in local dialect as Bhuin Dahana popularly known as Sesa Raja (last day). However, the festival in some parts of the regions actually ranges for a period of four days with inclusion of the fourth day termed as Basumata Puja or Basumata Gadhua (Bathing & praying of mother earth).

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