Children of the Fani affected Puri district were uncertain on celebrating Raja festival, which is an important festival for children, adolescent girls and youths in the coastal part of Odisha.
Almost every other household will adorn a swing, for the recreation of women and girls to enjoy during the festival. But this year they had lost the trees where they used to prepare swings since generations.
Looking at the emotion and improbability of the children to celebrate Raja festival, Aide et Action with the support of local organisations, RWI and SNDAYP took up the initiative to celebrate Raja festival in the child friendly space (CFS) with the children and adolescent girls at Nimapara and Sadar block of Puri district respectively. Nearly 5,000 children and adolescents participated this three day festival packed with different activities which includes singing Raja songs and playing games.
Children brought cakes and Pan (betel) from their home and shared with everyone. The youth clubs and community members supported the CFS initiative. They cleaned up the spaces and set up swings.
"This year we celebrated a different Raja and overcame the fear of Fani with fun," says Payal Priyadarshini Barik who is in 10th standard of Ragurajpur village.
This small initiative by Aide et Action and its partners have brought smiles in the faces of the children.