Raja..Celebrating and Embracing Menstruation in Odisha
In this land of Lord Jaganath , Odisha we celebrate Raja which showcases the acceptance and celebration of menstruation. Breaking away from age-old taboos and stigmas associated with periods, Odisha's Raja festival symbolizes the empowerment and liberation of women. This unique tradition not only highlights the progressive mindset of the state but also serves as an inspiration for societies around the world to embrace menstruation as a natural and normal part of a woman's life. The word ‘Raja’ in Odia means menstruation, and it is derived from Rajaswala, meaning a menstruating woman.
Glorifying and celebrating periods as a symbol of creativity and womanhood, manifested through the Raja festival, has always been an integral part of culture in Odisha.
Raja is a three-day festival celebrated in the middle of June, signifying the onset of the agricultural season and the arrival of monsoon rains. While it has deep agricultural roots, Raja has become known for its celebration of womanhood and the menstrual cycle.(Mythological reason:)It is believed in Odisha that the divine wife of Lord Jagannath (Vishnu) is known as Bhudevi and she undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period before the onset of rains.
During this festival, women take a break from household chores and enjoy various traditional activities and games. It begins with “raja saja baja” when young girls take bath using turmeric paste and then prepare themselves for the three day festivities. The first day is called Pahili Raja, second day is Mithuna Sankranti, third day is Bhudaaha or Basi Raja. The final fourth day is called Basumati snana, in which the ladies bath the grinding stone as a symbol of Bhumi with turmeric paste and adore with flower, sindoor etc. Girls adorn traditional saree and apply alatha on foot. All people abstain from walking barefoot on the earth.
One of the prominent rituals during Raja is the swinging ceremony, where women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, enjoy themselves on swings hung from trees. This swinging ritual symbolizes the nurturing nature of the Earth and the cyclic nature of life, including menstruation. The swinging motion represents the ups and downs of a woman's menstrual cycle, providing a metaphorical reminder of the natural and rhythmic nature of her body.
Another integral part of the Raja festival is the preparation and consumption of special delicacies. Women and girls indulge in traditional sweets and savory dishes prepared with great care where the traditional receipes are passed down from generations to generation. These delicacies are believed to nourish and rejuvenate the body, especially during menstruation, promoting the idea that periods are a time for self-care and pampering. Among them, Poda pitha is the most important one, which makes the Raja festival special. The aroma and taste of this pitha are so alluring that it happens to be Lord Jagannath’s favorite. While there is taboo associated with menstruation in most parts of the country, we odia people celebrate the biological cycle in honor of womanhood.
Raja also provides a platform for conversations around menstruation, allowing women and girls to openly discuss their experiences and challenges. It helps foster a sense of community and sisterhood, where women can support and uplift each other, creating a strong network of understanding and empathy. The Raja festival in Odisha serves as an example for the rest of the world to follow. By embracing menstruation and celebrating it as a natural phenomenon, societies can promote gender equality, break taboos, and provide support and resources for women's reproductive health. Education and awareness about menstruation should be an integral part of every community, ensuring that girls and women can lead healthy, confident lives without being hindered by social stigmas.