Greetings and best wishes to all my fb friends and especially oriya friends in all parts of the globe and time zones on the occasion of Happy Raja (Swing Festival of Odisha, India). RAJA SANKRANTI - RAJA DOLI Festivals, woven around different occasions, truly showcase culture and tradition. Raja Sankranti is a salutation to Mother earth, the earth with its bountiful resources, where individuals live and prosper. Raja Parba is essentially Odia as it is not celebrated elsewhere in India. The basic purpose of Raja celebration is gratefulness to the earth which is our abode, an ode to the maternal instinct of the earth for prosperity and productivity. As popularized by fables, it is believed that the first raindrops of Asadha moisten the earth and make it fertile. That is why this period indicates the menstrual cycle of mother earth. Raja Sankranti, popularly known as the Swing festival is spread over three days: Pahili Raja (the first day; the last day of Jestha month), Raja Sankranti (second day; the first day of the month of Asadha and Basi Raja (third day). After the scorching heat of the summer, it is a symbolic welcoming of the cool monsoon showers so indispensable for a good crop. It is as though the virgin rain sprinkles the earth with a magic spell of prosperity. Just as women observe several cultural taboos during the monthly cycle, all agricultural activities are strictly forbidden. Cultivation, plantation, cutting of trees etc are avoided as indulging in this would ward off Goddess Laxmi. Raja is an occasion to offer obeisance to the earth, for giving us a reason to live, for being with us in our trials and tribulations. It is a festival of fun and frolic for unmarried girls, whether in villages or towns. Like mother earth, they are relieved from all household chores. During the entire period, they wear new attire and adorn themselves with bright jewellery: sparkling silver anklets, decorative toe rings, rainbow colored bangles, and sometimes intricately designed waist-bands and necklaces borrowed from mothers. With Alata adding to the grace of delicate feet, Kajala emphasizing playful eyes and Chandanapaati, enhancing the glory of faces, they move around in groups, visiting friends and relatives. They are forbidden from walking barefoot lest it hurts the earth. Earlier, they would wear improvised footwear from banana-leaves, but today it is another occasion to buy new ones. Their infectious laughter fills the air and scatters a feeling of happiness everywhere. The greatest attraction of Raja is the Rajadoli. The decorated swing on which young girls fly off into the land of dreams. Raja is the time for merriment. The young men in the villages would play energetic games like Dudu, Kabaddi, Bohuchori. But for the maidens it would be a strong swing in the magical shade of a mango grove or bamboo bush. The gyrations of the swing would be accompanied by melodious songs for every mood, reflecting the joyous youthfulness of the girls. This is also a time to savor mouth-watering specialties. Heading the list is Poda Pitha - A delicious combination of powdered rice and spicy condiments, sweetened with jaggery and chopped or shredded coconut. Home-made curries, fresh fruits, especially ripe mangoes are other favorites.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:36:15 +0000
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