image credits: vecteezy @broelly07583107
Raja Sankranti, also known as Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti, is a cherished festival in Odisha, celebrating womanhood, fertility, and the arrival of the monsoon. Deeply rooted in the state’s cultural and agricultural heritage, this three-day event unites communities through vibrant rituals, swings, and traditional delicacies like Poda Pitha. In 2025, Raja Sankranti promises to bring Odias together in a joyous celebration of their traditions.
When Is Raja Sankranti 2025 Celebrated in Odisha?
Raja Sankranti 2025 will be observed in Odisha from June 14 to June 16, with some regions extending celebrations to June 17. Aligned with the Hindu month of Asadha, the festival marks the sun’s transition into the Mithuna (Gemini) constellation. The schedule includes:
- Sajabaja (June 13): A preparatory day for cleaning homes and grinding spices for festive dishes.
- Pahili Raja (June 14): The festival begins with women donning new attire and communities setting up swings.
- Raja Sankranti (June 15): The main day, celebrating the monsoon’s onset.
- Basi Raja (June 16): A day of continued festivities and relaxation.
- Basumati Snana (June 17, optional): A ritual bath for Bhumi Devi, symbolizing Mother Earth.
What Is the History & Importance of Raja Parba in Odisha?
Raja Parba’s origins trace back to Odisha’s ancient agrarian society, where it emerged as a tribute to Bhumi Devi, believed to menstruate during these three days. The term “Raja,” derived from the Sanskrit “rajas” (menstruation), symbolizes fertility and renewal. Historically, the festival gained prominence in medieval Odisha, with a silver murti of Bhumi Devi still revered in Puri’s Jagannath Temple.
Raja Parba is a celebration of womanhood celebration Odisha, and the monsoon’s arrival, vital for Odisha’s farming communities. It honors women as symbols of life and fertility, granting them rest from daily chores to enjoy swings, traditional attire, and community bonding. The festival fosters cultural pride and gratitude for the land, uniting Odias in a shared expression of heritage.
What are Raja Sankranti’s daily rituals?
The festival unfolds through distinct rituals:
- Sajabaja: Homes, kitchens, and grinding stones are cleaned, and spices are ground for festive dishes, setting a sacred tone.
- Pahili Raja: Women wear new sarees, apply alata (red dye) on their feet, and avoid household or farming work to honor Bhumi Devi.
- Raja Sankranti: Sisters apply medicinal paste to brothers for their well-being, and families enjoy swings and traditional foods.
- Basi Raja: Festivities continue with games, dances like Gotipua, and community gatherings.
- Basumati Snana: On the optional fourth day, a grinding stone (representing Bhumi Devi) is bathed with turmeric, flowers, and sindoor, accompanied by offerings of seasonal fruits.
What Foods Are Prepared During Raja Parba?
Food is central to Raja Parba, with Poda Pitha recipe as the highlight, which is a rice cake made with jaggery and coconut, slow-cooked to perfection. Other delicacies include Chakuli Pitha, Manda Pitha, and Arisa Pitha, shared among families to celebrate Odisha’s culinary heritage. In 2024, Bhubaneswar’s food festivals showcased innovative Poda Pitha variations, such as chocolate-infused versions, blending tradition with modernity. These dishes, rooted in seasonal ingredients, symbolize gratitude for the land’s bounty.
1st Odisha Raja Parba 2025 Festival in Noida
What Is the 1st Odisha Raja Parba 2025 Festival in Noida?
For the first time, the Odia community in Delhi-NCR, over 1 lakh strong, will celebrate Raja Parba in Noida, organized by Samudayik Vikas Samiti. This landmark event, led by FCA (Dr.) Manmohan Mohanty aims to preserve and promote Odisha’s cultural heritage in an urban setting. Key details include:
- Dates: June 14–15, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday).
- Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Venue: Noida Stadium, Ramlila Ground, Sector 21A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301.
The festival features:
- Cultural Programs: Odissi, folk dances like Chaitighoda, and performances by artists from Odisha and Delhi-NCR.
- Food Stalls: Offering authentic Odia cuisine like Poda Pitha, Salepur Rasgulla, Cheena Poda, Baripada Mudhi Mutton, Cuttack Dahi Bara Aludum, and Spicy Fish Curry.
- Workshops: Pitha-making and craft sessions for families.
- Competitions (Online, June 10, 2025, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM): Raja Queen (women 21+), Raja Kumari (girls 10–20), and Drawing (Junior: up to 10; Senior: 11–18), focusing on Odia attire, cultural quizzes, and talents.
- Exhibitions: Displays of Odia crafts and artifacts.
Registration is open until June 5, 2025, via a Google Form (https://t.co/jdiiE6DGP3), with contact numbers 9811082081, 85274 02961, and 98108 76958 for inquiries. This free event, with special opportunities for Samudayik Vikas Samiti members, marks a pioneering effort to bring Raja Parba’s spirit to Noida.
How to Participate in the Noida Raja Parba Festival?
Odias in Delhi-NCR should register by June 5, 2025, for competitions or attendance via the Google Form. Prepare for the June 10 online competitions by practicing Odia dance, music, or cultural quizzes. Arrive early at Noida Stadium to enjoy the full range of activities, from food stalls to cultural performances, and connect with the Odia community.
