Raja Sankranti 2023, also known as Raja Parba or Mithun Sankranti, is a joyous and highly celebrated festival in Odisha that pays homage to womanhood and the worship of Mother Earth. This three-day festival will commence on June 14 and conclude on June 16, 2023.
Raja Parba holds great significance among Hindus and is considered one of the most popular festivals in Odisha, celebrated with grandeur. The festival consists of three consecutive days: Raja Sankranti, Mithun Sankranti, and Bhudaha or Basi Raja. During this festival, reverence is paid to Mother Earth, and the essence of womanhood is celebrated. The term “Raja” is derived from “Rajaswala,” which refers to a menstruating woman, as it is believed that Mother Earth menstruates for the first time in June.
This festival acknowledges the unique nature of a woman’s menstruation, which symbolizes fertility and the ability to give birth. The people of Odisha refrain from ploughing or engaging in any construction work related to the Earth during these days, as a sign of respect and gratitude towards the Goddess Earth and Bhu Devi, considered to be Lord Jagannath’s wife. In the Puri Temple, alongside Lord Jagannath, there is a silver idol of Bhudevi.
Raja Sankranti is also known as the Swing Festival due to the various types of swings hung from tree branches, such as Ram Doli, Charki Doli, Pata Doli, and Dandi Doli. Girls enjoy playing on these swings while singing folk songs.
The rituals of Raja Sankranti begin with the Sajabaja day or preparatory day when all the necessary arrangements for the festival are made. Houses and kitchens are thoroughly cleaned, and women take a break from household chores during the entire celebration. They dress in new clothes and adorn themselves with jewelry.
On the final day of the festival, people bathe Mother Earth, or Bhumi, with turmeric paste and flowers, and apply sindoor or vermillion. They offer a variety of fruits and sweets as offerings and seek blessings from Mother Earth. Sometimes, the last day is celebrated on the fourth day, known as Vasumati Sanana.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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