The advent of modern culture and growing distaste for the traditional festivals have contributed to a sharp decline in observance of the swing festival called Raja. The festival used to be one of the most popular festivals in the length and breadth of the State, especially in its rural pockets.
Rajo is celebrated in the month of Odia calendar Asara [mid-June]. It is observed for three days. Several traditional rituals are performed in different phases. However, gone are the days when teenaged girls, women and youths waited eagerly for the festivities of Raja.
Now, the young generation is more interested in western culture and fashion than in the traditional festivals. On the first day of the festival, maiden and young woman rise early in the morning, comb their hair, anoint their bodies with turmeric paste and oil and take bath in a river or pond. Then they wear new clothes and jewelleries. For the next two days, bathing is prohibited for the women, while they are asked to walk barefoot and not scratch the earth, grind, tear or cut anything or cook.
During the festival, non vegetarian food items are prepared, besides a variety of cakes and other delicacies. Poda Pitha is the main attraction of the fest. This special cake is prepared in almost every household.
Moving up and down on the swings during the festival is a special feature of the Raja festival. Girls sing songs, specially meant for the festival from State’s folk literature, while chewing ‘Raja Pan’.
All three days of the Raja festival are considered to be the menstruating period of the mother earth. So, all agricultural operations remain suspended during the festival. As in Hindu homes, menstruating women remain secluded because of impurity and do not even touch anything and are given full rest, so during Raja, the mother earth is given full rest for three days for which all agricultural activities are cancelled. Moreover, people believe with Rajo, the agricultural season begins in the State.
The age-old customs of the Raja festival are on the wane these days, pointed out an octogenarian woman Kamala Devi. “Most rural and urban girls don’t even remember the exact time of Raja and are not aware of its significance,” she said.
Biswakalpana Rath, a house wife from Rambhadeipur village, said that her daughter lori is happy with the new clothes and the rich foods and cake prepared in Raja festival, while she is reluctant to follow the rituals connected with the festival.
Bamboo swings have become a rare to sight in the village these days. However, in past, the revelers used to make different types of swings like Ram Doli, Chakri Doli and Dandi Doli. Besides, Yatra, Pala, Daskathia, Ghoda Nacha and fold dances were being arranged. Several games like Kabadi and Bagudi were also being played with much enthusiasm. The villagers also used to play cards.
Many families are now not willing to spend much in the Raja festival. Maheswar Rath, a resident of Tarada village here admitted that celebrating Raja has become a costly affair as one has to spend at least Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for an average four-member family.