Odias across the state soak in Raja spirit

Bhubaneswar: With Odia ‘asmita’ (self-respect) being the new buzzword, people from different walks of life celebrated Pahili Raja on Friday. The festival, which marks the beginning of the agricultural year in Odisha, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the state.Given respite from their usual daily works, girls wear traditional attires, apply “alta” on their feet, “mehendi” on their hands and spend time at leisure, play indoor and outdoor games. The traditional attire for women during Pahili Raja includes a new sari, usually in bright colours, and various ornaments like bangles, earrings, and necklaces. People offer beauty services in different malls and public places. Many beauty parlours and salons offer special packages for Pahili Raja, which include traditional makeup, hairstyling, and mehendi application. These services are very popular among young girls and women who want to look their best during the festival.President Droupadi Murmu, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former CM Naveen Patnaik, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan also greeted the people on the auspicious occasion. The leaders extended their warm wishes to the people of Odisha and hoped that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity.The President said, “My sincere greetings to my dear countrymen on the occasion of Ganparb Raja. The people of Odisha celebrate this festival with gaiety through pies, sweets, drinks and games, honouring the soil and clouds. On the occasion of this agricultural Raja festival, I wish happiness, peace and prosperity to the people of the state and country.”CM Majhi posted on ‘X’, “My best wishes to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Pahili Raja. May this unique festival of Odisha culture and tradition bring joy and happiness to everyone’s life”.Paan which is traditional during Raja became available in plenty at popular as well as makeshift shops. Paan or betel leaves folded with areca nut, and various other ingredients, is an integral part of Raja festival. During Pahili Raja, the demand for paan increases, and many shops and vendors sell different varieties of paan to cater to the customers’ tastes.Govt too set up “pitha” (cake) outlets at Panthaniwas. Podapitha made up from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut is synonymous with Raja. The govt’s initiative to set up pitha outlets at Panthaniwas in Bhubaneswar, is aimed at promoting and preserving Odia culture and cuisine.Friday marks the beginning of the three-day festival. Saturday will be celebrated as Raja Sankranti.