President Murmu greets nation on 'Raja' fest, highlights Odisha culture

President Droupadi Murmu greeted the nation, particularly Odisha, on the harvest festival 'Raja'. She highlighted the festival's message of harmony with nature and its connection to the monsoon, pithas, and swing games.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of the harvest festival 'Raja', describing it as a celebration that reminds harmony with nature and traditional cultural values, with special emphasis on Odisha.

President's Message on Raja Festival

In a post on X, the President conveyed her heartfelt wishes to citizens, particularly to the people of Odisha, on the festive occasion. "On the occasion of the harvest festival 'Raja', I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, especially the people of Odisha," the President's official handle wrote. ଗଣପର୍ବ 'ରଜ' ଉପଲକ୍ଷେ ଦେଶବାସୀଙ୍କୁ, ବିଶେଷକରି ଓଡ଼ିଶାବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ଆନ୍ତରିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଜଣାଉଛି । ବର୍ଷାଋତୁର ଏହି ଆବାହନୀ ଉତ୍ସବ ମାଟି, ମା ଓ ମେଘକୁ ସମ୍ମାନ ଜଣାଇ ପାଳନ କରାଯାଏ । ପିଠା, ପାନ ଓ ଦୋଳି ଖେଳର ଆସର ଭିତରେ ରଜ ଆମକୁ ପ୍ରକୃତି ସହିତ ମିଳିମିଶି ରହିବାର ବାର୍ତ୍ତା ଦେଇଥାଏ । ରଜ ପର୍ବର ଏହି ବିଶେଷତ୍ଵ ଆମକୁ ଦେଶ-ବିକାଶରେ… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 14, 2026

Describing the cultural essence of the festival, she said it is deeply connected with nature and the monsoon season. "This inviting festival of the monsoon season is celebrated to honour the earth, the mother, and the clouds. Within the festivities of pithas, betel leaves, and swing games, Raja reminds us to live in harmony with nature," she said.

The President further highlighted the broader social message of the festival, underlining its relevance to collective responsibility and nation-building. "I hope that this special essence of the Raja festival will inspire us to dedicate ourselves to nation-building," she added.

Concluding her greetings, the President wished peace and prosperity for citizens across the country. "On this Raja occasion, I wish for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the people of the state as well as the country."

About Odisha's Raja Parba Festival

A three-day festival, 'Raja Parba', which celebrates the onset of monsoons and earth's womanhood, commenced across Odisha and is associated with traditional customs, delicacies, and cultural festivities centred around reverence for nature.

The first, second and third days of 'Raja Parba' are called 'Pahili Rajo, 'Mithuna Sankranti', and Bhu Daaha' or 'Basi Raja', respectively. The fourth day, which marks the ceremonial bath, is called 'Vasumati Snana.'

Conducted around mid-June every year, men also participate in this festival with full fervour.

The festival, which started as a tribal practice, is based on the belief that Mother Earth menstruates for those three days and she is given a ceremonial bath on the fourth day.

As part of the celebrations, girls wear new dresses, enjoy the 'Doli Jhula' and savour traditional delicacies, with some notable dishes being 'Podo Pitha', 'Manda Pitha' and 'Arisha Pitha'. (ANI)

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