Baipariguda June 17:: Raja is one of Odisha’s most important traditional festivals. The festival is celebrated over three days. The day before Raja Sankranti is observed as Pahili Raja, the second day as Raja Sankranti, and the third day as Bhumi Daha (Bhumi Dahana).
During Raja, households prepare traditional delicacies such as pitha and pana, while swings are set up for enjoyment. Young girls and women celebrate the festival with great excitement, relishing Raja paan, dressing up in new clothes, and participating in various festive activities. Just as wearing new attire, eating traditional cakes, and enjoying swings are inseparable parts of Raja, chewing paan is also considered an integral aspect of the celebration.
In various areas of Baipariguda, young girls and women celebrated Pahili Raja by wearing new dresses and footwear. Swings were erected in homes, and people were seen enjoying the festivities. Traditional dishes and pithas were prepared in households. Women shared poda pitha, ripe mangoes, sweets, and paan with their neighbors, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and joy associated with the festival.
Pahili Raja was celebrated with great pomp, enthusiasm, and community participation across different parts of Baipariguda.
Leave a Reply