In India, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and festivals, every day is dedicated to a celebration. What makes these festivities special is their deep connection with nature, emphasizing nature's greatest virtue – every living being is a part of it. In these festivals, nature is often personified, participating as a living entity, celebrating joy just like any ordinary woman would.
Rejoicing the Arrival of Drizzle
In the eastern state of Odisha, the land is replete with myriad festivals. While the Jagannath Ratha Yatra of Puri is globally famous, there are numerous local festivals that bind people together. As the monsoon and the month of Ashadha arrive, the enchanting festival of Raja Parab (Raja festival) marks the arrival of the joyous drizzle.
The Raja festival, known as Mithuna Sankranti in astrology, occurs at the mid-point of June. Mithuna Sankranti or Raja is a three-day festival celebrating femininity in Odisha. The second day coincides with the start of the Mithuna solar month, believed to signal the beginning of the rainy season.
Origins of the Word Raja
The term Raja is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Rajaswala,' commonly associated with menstruation. It is believed that during these three days, the earth undergoes menstruation. Mythology suggests that Goddess Earth, a form of Mahalakshmi married to Vishnu, experiences menstruation in the first three days. Hence, disturbing the earth during these days is strictly forbidden, categorized as sinful.
The fourth day is known as Vasumati Snana, a ceremonial bathing of the earth. The word 'Raja' originates from Sanskrit 'Rajas,' meaning menstruation, and a menstruating woman is called "Rajaswala." During the medieval period, this festival became popular as an agricultural holiday, introducing the worship of Bhudevi, wife of Jagannath, Vishnu's regional form. A silver idol of Bhudevi is housed alongside Jagannath in Puri Temple.
Tradition of the Celebration
Celebrated in mid-June, the first day is 'Pahili Raja,' the second day 'Mithuna Sankranti,' the third day 'Bhu Daaha' or 'Basi Raja.' The fourth day is 'Vasumati Snana,' where women bathe the grindstone, symbolizing Earth, with turmeric and adorn it with flowers and vermilion. Seasonal fruits are offered to Mother Earth. The day before the festival, 'Sajabaja' or preparation day involves cleaning homes, kitchens, and grindstones for three days of festivities. Women and girls relax, wearing new saris, applying altha, delighting in ornaments and festivities.
Among Odisha's numerous celebrations, Raja is the most popular and jubilantly celebrated for three days. As the earth prepares to quench its thirst with monsoon rains, the festival readies unmarried girls for future marital life. They spend three days celebrating, eating uncooked nutritious foods like Poda Pitha, avoiding salt, refraining from walking barefoot, and preparing for healthy future offspring. Memorable moments of the Raja festival involve swinging on banyan trees and singing folk songs by adolescent girls and young women.
The Earth's Menstruation
In popular belief, just as women experience menstruation as a symbol of fertility, Mother Earth undergoes menstruation during the three days of the festival. During this time, all agricultural activities are halted. It is especially significant for unmarried girls and newly married women progressing towards motherhood.
During these three days, they follow norms akin to menstruating women. On the first day, they rise before dawn, groom their hair, and anoint their bodies with turmeric and oil. They take a purification bath in a river or pond. Bathing is prohibited for the next two days, and these women do not walk barefoot, scratch the ground, grind anything, or cook, and remain away from the kitchen.
While swings and folk songs enliven their joy and add brilliance to the festival, swings of various types like 'Ram Doli,' 'Charakhi Doli,' 'Patta Doli,' and 'Dandi Doli' symbolize 'acquired rest.' It soothes during the hot, humid weather. A girl is chosen as Doli Rani (the Queen of the Swing), and others swing her. Folk songs are crafted and sung without instruments, discussing the festival, friendship, monsoon, and marriage prospects. These songs convey humor and charm, combining spirituality and romance, akin to the Kajri songs of Bihar or the Holi songs of Braj.
A Sample Song
"In the jungle, the elephant blows its trumpet, the Raja festival has arrived; it's time to adorn ourselves in new clothes and revel in its joy."
Apart from my flowering mango tree, I will chirp and twirl with you in eternal friendship."
The Raja festival arrives with the monsoon, signaling romance and renewal. Young women sing love songs and enjoy swings with friends. Newlyweds get emotional listening to songs filled with farewell nuances. Consider this song...
"Fly, my mind sways on the swing, touching the kingdom of clouds, bringing back Vasaumati Mother’s love messages; may my memories not wash away with the rain."
The Raja festival is not only a part of Odisha's cultural legacy but also symbolizes the intimate connection between nature and womanhood. This festival unites women of all ages, fostering joy and freedom and highlighting our harmony with nature, much like mothers and sisters play, laugh, and celebrate in unison.
