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People in upbeat mood over ‘Raja’ celebrations

CUTTACK: With all the schools and colleges closed for summer vacation and declaration of government holidays for next three days including the weekend , people are in an upbeat mood in the State for the annual ‘Raja’ festival beginning from Saturday.

People in large number were seen at the Cuttack bus terminus here on Friday evening heading for their native villages to celebrate the festival with their family members. People in rural pockets, particularly in undivided districts of Cuttack, Puri and Balasore were also in celebration mode.

“After a long gap I am visiting my native place with all my family members to be part of the Raja celebrations in my village”, said Ramesh Chandra Mohanty of Indupur in Kendrapara district who works in a government sector here. Before leaving for his village, the Mohantys had finished the purchases for the festival in the city.

The markets of the city were abuzz with activities as garment, shoe, stationery and fruit shops have been witnessing large queues for the festival. Although, individual preparations began a fortnight ago, the markets in Cuttack city witnessed heavy footfalls over the past few days as shop owners made brisk business.

“After the ‘Savitri’ puja, earlier this month, the markets continued to do the same business over the weeks as the shopping for Raja festival begin soon after”, says Shankar Sahu of local Nuabazar market. As the festival is mainly for unmarried girls, who dress up in bridal attire for three days, the garment and stationary shops witnessed heavy gatherings, he added.

The festival of ‘Raja’ that accompanies with the advent of monsoon is basically an occasion of celebrations for the farmers’ community, as it is believed that the Mother Earth takes rest during these days for its annual cycle of productivity. It bounces back with the vigour to deliver the bounties for the next cropping season.

Since it is believed that earth takes rest during this period, the unmarried girls are also asked to take rest during these days. They spend the whole occasion playing and enjoying without having to do any household chores. They even do not walk barefoot on earth and hence the girls have a valid excuse for purchasing new pairs of footwear.

“I have purchased three pairs of new sandals for the three-day festival and I am going to enjoy the festival the most in our native village in Badamba, about 80 kms from here, said Nancy Jena, a class VIII student of a public school here.

However, people in remote villages have also made elaborate arrangements to enjoy the festival in grand style. “Besides playing cards and other local games, we have decided to savour the delicacies that suits the occasion”, informed Kamalakanta Mohanty of Kulasarichuan village in Bailish Mouza area of this district.

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