image credits: x.com/@otdcltd
Raja Sankranti 2025, Odisha’s celebration of womanhood and the monsoon’s arrival, is in full swing today, June 15, 2025, marking Raja Sankranti, the second and most important day of Raja Parba. Organized by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, from June 11 to June 18, 2025, the festival aligns with this three-day tradition, running from June 14 to June 16. A parallel community event, Raja Mauja, hosted by Humara Bachpan and partners at OUAT Farmgate, Bhubaneswar, begins tomorrow, June 16, and continues until June 18.
How is Raja Mahotsav 2025 Celebrated this Raja Sankranti in Odisha?
Raja Mahotsav celebrates Raja Parba, honoring womanhood and nature’s renewal during the monsoon. Held from June 13 to June 16, 2025, with OTDC’s extended event from June 11 to June 18 at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, it features swings, pithas, and performances. Today, June 15, Raja Sankranti, is the heart of the festival, with communities enjoying rest and festivities.
When and Where Is Raja Mahotsav 2025 Celebrated?
Key Dates and Locations
The OTDC event runs at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar, from June 11 to June 18, 2025, with Raja Parba from June 14 (Pahili Raja) to June 16 (Basi Raja), peaking today, June 15 (Raja Sankranti). Located 4 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport and 2 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, it operates from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Raja Mauja at OUAT Farmgate starts June 16, ends June 18, with daily activities.
What Are the Main Attractions of Raja Mahotsav?
History and Mythology of Raja Sankranti
Raja Sankranti, observed today, June 15, 2025, has deep historical roots in Odisha, dating back centuries as a festival tied to the agricultural calendar. It marks the sun’s transition into Mithuna Rashi (Gemini), signaling the monsoon’s onset. Historically, it was a time when farming paused to honor Mother Earth’s menstrual cycle, a symbol of fertility. A popular myth links it to the goddess Basu Devi, believed to rest during these days, with her bath on Vasumati Snana (June 17) marking purification..
Traditional Swings, Performances, and OTDC Highlights
Raja Doli swings, adorned with flowers, are central, with women singing folk songs at both venues. OTDC’s IDCO Exhibition Ground offers Dalkhai and Ghoda Nacha performances, plus mehendi and alta stalls, as per @odisha_tourism.
Raja Mauja from June 16 includes a Painting Competition (Theme: Period-Friendly Public Space, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM), Open Mic – Debate, Monologue, or Skit (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) on June 16, Song Competition (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) on June 17, and Dance Competition – Traditional, Folk, or Fusion (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) on June 18, ending with a Closing Ceremony & Prize Distribution (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Highlights of Raja Mahotsav-2025 in Pune
The Kalinga Swaraj Foundation’s Raja Mahotsav-2025 at Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Rangamandir, Yerwada, Pune, on June 15, 2025, drew 700-800 attendees, with tickets sold out two days prior. The event, graced by Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Former MP and MLA from Odisha, began at 3:30 PM with guest registrations, selfies, and the Raja Bazaar featuring Odia snacks and crafts. A Jhula (swing) setup highlighted the day. At 4:30 PM, the ceremonial lamp was lit, followed by Bande Utkal Janani, a quiz, Odissi dances, and the Raja Queen crowning. The formal segment at 6 PM included an inaugural address and felicitation, with cultural highlights from 6:30 PM featuring comedy by Arabinda Jeje and Raju Das, music by Bankim Patel and Smrutimayee Mohapatra, and an Odia DJ segment. Post-9:30 PM, a Tour of Odia Delicacies offered pakhala and poda pitha.
How to Plan Your Visit to Raja Mahotsav 2025?
IDCO Exhibition Ground, located on NALCO Nagar Road, is 4 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport (15-20 minutes by taxi) and 2 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station (5-10 minutes). Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus (Route 204 from the station) for convenience. OUAT Farmgate, near the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, is 6 km from the airport (20-25 minutes) and 3 km from the railway station (10-15 minutes). Reach via taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus (Route 207). Both venues offer parking and are accessible daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM for OTDC and event hours for Raja Mauja.
