Bhubaneswar: Raja Parba, a vibrant and unique festival deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Odisha, takes center stage as a celebration of womanhood, the earth, and the agricultural bounty of the land. This “glorious tradition of Odisha,” as highlighted by Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, Surma Padhi, is a testament to the state’s rich heritage and its profound connection to nature.
The recent “Raja Utsava” celebration at the State Museum, organized by the Viswa Odia Parivar(VOP) in collaboration with the Odisha Language, Literature and Culture Department, vividly showcased the essence of this three-day festival.
Smt.Padhi, gracing the event as chief guest, eloquently described Raja Parba as a “national festival of Odisha,” celebrated with immense joy across villages and cities, marked by the distinctive flavors of ‘pies, breads and asar’ (traditional Odia delicacies). Her appreciation for the Viswa Odia family’s unique celebration underscored the importance of preserving and promoting such cultural treasures.
Saffron Veteran, Sajjan Sharma, Chairman of the Viswa Odia Parivar, further elaborated on the festivities, promising a “pleasant and interesting” experience for all attendees.
The event truly delivered, offering a sensory feast. Participants and guests reveled in the traditional ‘Rajdoli’ (a special swing for the occasion), indulged in ‘Pitha’ (sweet cakes), enjoyed ‘Paan Ra Chita’ (decorative betel leaves), and adorned themselves with ‘Mehendi’ (henna). A touching moment was Mrs. Padhi’s gesture of applying sandalwood to the feet and foreheads of children, symbolizing blessings and reverence.
The celebration also served as a platform for intellectual discourse and artistic expression. Odisha Olympic Association President and former BJP State President Sameer Mohanty shared insights into the history and art of Odisha, enriching the understanding of the state’s cultural evolution.
A literary meeting, featuring Dr. Iti Samanta, Editor of Kadambini, delved into the significant contribution of Raja Parba to Odisha’s traditions. Chandrashekhar Hota, Editor of Odisha Sahitya Academy provided further detailed accounts of the event’s cultural significance.
The dynamism of the festival was further amplified by a poetry recitation festival, skillfully managed by Dr. Preeti Pratibha Bhola, with various individuals like Bhabani Shankar Mishra, Subrat Kumar Nayak, and Dr. Hadibandhu Panigrahi leading different segments. Beyond the literary discussions, the festival encouraged active participation through drawing competitions, traditional ‘puchi’ games, ‘hulhuli’ (a unique vocal sound made by women), and Raja slogan competitions, honoring the best contestants and fostering a spirit of community engagement.
The event also took the opportunity to recognize notable contributions to society, with Soudamini Das honored in education, Draupadi Raut in sports, Subhadarshini Mishra (Milli) in journalism, and singer Banita Pati for their remarkable achievements.
Ultimately, the “Raja Utsav” celebration by the Viswa Odia Paribar stood as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Raja Parba. It not only honored the deep-seated traditions of Odisha but also successfully conveyed its message as a vibrant “messenger of the glorious tradition of Odisha land,” celebrating the invaluable connection between its people, their motherland, and the life-giving rhythm of agriculture.
Suresh Kumar Sahu’s vote of thanks beautifully concluded an event that truly encapsulated the spirit and essence of Odisha’s cultural heart.