"Raja Parba: Celebrating Odisha's Festival of Fertility"

"Honoring Womanhood and Nature's Bounty and Embarking on the Three-Day Joyous Tradition of Odisha".

Pahili Raja is celebrated every year on June 14. It is the first day of celebration of Raja Parba — a three-day festival celebrated in Odisha, India. The holiday celebrates menstruation and womanhood. The festival lasts for three days because it is believed that Mother Earth goes through a menstrual cycle for three days and takes a ceremonial bath on the fourth day. The festival of Raja holds a significant position in the eastern state of Odisha. And at the heart of Raja Parba lies its first day, known as Pahili Raja. This festival celebrates the agricultural cycle, especially the rejuvenation of the earth as it prepares for the upcoming monsoon season.

History of Pahili Raja

The word ‘raja,’ pronounced as raw-jaw, is from the Sanskrit word ‘rajaswala,’ meaning “in menstruation.” In the Hindu calendar, ‘Raja Sankranti’ or ‘Mithuna Sankranti’ is the first day of the Ashada month, and Pahili Raja Day is celebrated on the day before Sankranti. The first three days of the celebration of Raja Parba are considered days when ‘Boomadevi,’ or ‘Mother Earth,’ is menstruating. The second day marks the beginning of the solar month of ‘mithuna,’ which signifies the oncoming rains, while the fourth day of the festival is called ‘Basumati Snana’ or the “purification bath of the Earth,” when Mother Earth purifies herself.

The festival is associated with fertility, menstruation, and womanhood, which, rather than being shunned, should be a matter of pride. So, during the festival, in the state of Odisha in India, women are given a break from all household chores and farming. They dress up, paint their feet, and spend their free time playing indoor and outdoor games. Young women can also be seen singing songs while playing on rope swings.

Pahili Raja was once a tribal practice that has spread to all parts of Odisha. The way the festival is celebrated has evolved and continues to evolve, but the premise remains the celebration of womanhood and respect for women in the world.

PAHILI DAY ACTIVITIES

• Swing from the Raja Doli : Create a makeshift ‘Raja Doli’ swing using cloth strips and tie it to a nearby tree. Swing from the cloth swing and enjoy the oncoming monsoon.
• Buy new clothes and apply alta : Pahili Raja is a celebration of women and womanhood. Buy new clothes and apply ‘alta’ or ‘red dye’ to your hands and feet.
• Take a break and enjoy the day The holiday is the day for women to take a break from household chores. Enjoy the day outdoors by playing games and meeting your friends.

Customs and Traditions:

Pahili Raja is marked by various customs and rituals deeply rooted in Odia culture. The preparations begin days in advance, with thorough cleaning and painting of houses. Women, especially young girls, engage in swinging on 'dola,' a rope-hung swing typically tied to the branches of a mango tree. This swinging is symbolic of the joyous mood of the season and the rhythm of life.

Another prominent custom is the apply of 'alata/ alta,' a red paste made from a special type of stone, on the feet of girls. This is believed to cool their feet, offering relief from the scorching summer heat. Additionally, special dishes like 'poda pitha,' a delicious cake made from fermented rice and black gram, are prepared to mark the occasion.

Cultural events, including folk dances like 'Gotipua' and 'Dalkhai,' add to the merriment, filling the atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, various sports and games are organized, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community spirit.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE RAJA PARBA

1. The festival links the land to women. The festival pays respect to a woman by correlating the fertility of the land to that of a woman.
2. All agricultural activities discontinue During the festival, people do not participate in agricultural activities to help Mother Earth relax.
3. Women don’t partake in household chores Women aren’t allowed to perform household chores.
4. Folk songs are sung Young girls and unmarried women sing traditional folk songs, and Jatra, a form of theater, is performed.
5. Women aren’t allowed to walk barefoot Women aren’t allowed to walk barefoot on the floor or the soil.

WHY WE LOVE PAHILI DAY -

• It celebrates women- The festival is a celebration of women. It honors their uniqueness.
• It is a celebration of menstruation- Pahili Raja links the menstruation of women to that of Mother Earth. It acknowledges that menstruation is something to be celebrated, not shunned.
• It acknowledges the contribution of women- The holiday gives utmost respect to women and womanhood. It recognizes that women are the wheels that drive the cart of life, and without them, moving the cart is impossible.

Conclusion

Pahili Raja, the first day of Raja Parba, stands as a testament to Odisha's rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted connection with nature. As the earth prepares for the monsoon showers, people come together to celebrate life, fertility, and the eternal cycle of renewal. Through age-old customs and modern adaptations, Pahili Raja continues to weave the threads of tradition, binding communities in joy and camaraderie.