RAJA MAHOTSHAV

ALL THE BEST FOR RAJA MAHOTSHAV

Numerous social, cultural and most importantly agriculture based festivals are widely observed in our village dominated state. Kendujhar, Sundergarh, Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam and Sambalpur and some districts of coastal belt as well are witnessed to be completely lost in ‘Raja Mouja’ towards the tell end of the month of ‘Jyeshtha’ (June). As we know, subsequent month of ‘Jyeshtha’ i.e. ‘Ashadha’ is the bringer of cloud to our horizon. ‘Ashadha’ gifts us the first drop of monsoon rain as a boon to our farmers. It cools down our earth. Final day of ‘Brusha’ (Taurus) i.e. tomorrow is the beginning day of 3day long ‘Raja Utshav’. Opening day of ‘Mithun’ (Gemini) is ‘Raja Sankranti’ and lastly this grand fiesta takes farewell on the next day. Prickly hot earth emits a liquid vapor following the initial contact of rain fall, which is termed as menstrual secretion of ‘Maa Mati’ (Mother Earth) and we, Odias call it ‘Raja’ as per our vocabulary. Mother Earth takes full rest during her period (Three days of Raja). Agricultural activities are completely stopped by farmers. After the earth comes in touch with the first rain water, she earns her productivity (fertility). So, villagers in Odisha, largely dominated by agrarian community get a three day recess out of their hectic occupation. Gents play cards and ‘Pasa-Pali’ (Ludo) and ladies sit on swingers with Raja stanzas on their leaps. Cake of sundried rice and gram (Poda Pitha) is prepared in every house hold. Betel (Pan) leaf gets its significance during Raja. One and all in the villages like to chew special ‘Raja Pan’ on the occasion. Some years back, Raja was regarded as the most ceremonious and waited occasion of the calendar in our state. Groups of people move back and forth, sitting on various kinds of swingers. But now tears come to eyes to memorize the past. Gone are those days, when natural mango orchards and large banyan trees were covering hundreds of acres in the outskirts of the villages. Ropes of the swingers were being tightened in the sturdy branches of large trees. Sitting on the swingers, rural youngsters were singing the traditional Raja anthems, Banaste Dakila Gaja; Barasha ke Thare Aasichhi Raja… We destroyed our nature. Cutting of trees in large scale took the essence of Raja away from us. We do not get those big trees now a days to knot the ropes of swinger. Anyway, still we look upon these three days of Raja as a very very important part of our social life. I wish a colourful and enjoying Raja to all.