Odisha has always been famous for its cultures and traditions. The state celebrates a wide variety of festivals each year. Odisha offers a perfect mix of religious, cultural and tribal festivals in India. One such festival is Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti. The three-day-long festivals celebrate the plight of women during the menstruation cycle. This year Mithuna Sankranti 2020 falls on June 15 and continues till June 18.
Each day of the festival has its name and significance – the first day is called Pahili Rajo, the second day is Mithuna Sankranti, signifying the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna i.e., the rainy season, the third day is Bhu Daaha or Basi Raja and the fourth day is called Vasumati Snana.
Until the fourth day, which is called Vasumati Snana, the day of the ceremonial bath, women and young girls do not take part in cooking and instead, play games and celebrate. Men also take part in this festival, conducted around the middle of June every year. This year’s festivities concluded recently.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted the people of Odisha on “Raja Parba”. Taking it to Twitter he wrote, “”Greetings on the very special festival of Raja Parba. May this occasion strengthens the spirit of joy and brotherhood in society”.
Greetings on the very special festival of Raja Parba. May this occasion strengthen the spirit of joy and brotherhood in society. I also pray for the good health and well-being of my fellow citizens.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2020
Celebrations of Raja Parba and Mithuna Sankranti :
During these three days, women and girls take rest from work and wear new Saree, Alata, and ornaments. Its similar to Ambubachi Mela. The most popular among numerous festivals in Odisha. Just as the earth prepares itself to whence its thirst by the incoming rain the unmarried girls of the family are groomed for impeding matrimony through this festival. The festival is all about the celebration of womanhood.
According to Hindu Mythology, fasting on Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti to please the God Sun ensures a peaceful and happy life of the person.
To pay respect towards the earth during her menstruation days, all agricultural works, like ploughing, sowing are suspended for the three days. People play a lot of indoor and outdoor games and girls play around swings tied on tree branches. Cards, ludo and kabbadi are some other games that are organised among young men.
In a country where it is common to shun women from social life when they are menstruating, Odisha stands out. This festival set an example when it comes to how women should be treated while they are menstruating.
