Bhubaneswar, June 10: With Odisha’s beloved festival Raja just days away, preparations have begun in full swing across the capital city and its outskirts. The festive atmosphere is already building as the popular Raja song “Banaste Dakila Gaja, Barasake Thare Asichi Raja” echoes through neighbourhoods, promising days of celebration, traditional games and cultural performances.
People are busy shopping for new clothes and cosmetics, while various organizations are putting the final touches on their Raja Mahotsav arrangements. Many young women are eagerly looking forward to enjoying swings, taking part in competitions and creating social media reels during the three-day festival.
Jagamara Raja Mahotsav to feature cultural programmes
A grand Raja Mahotsav will be organized at the KCA Cricket Ground in Jagamara under the joint auspices of Jaydev Yubak Sangha and Biswa. Now in its fifth year, the festival will be held from June 14 to June 16.
The major attraction will be evening cultural programmes featuring renowned Odia singers. Singer Swayam Padhi and troupe will perform on June 14, Sugyani Mahapatra on June 15, and Asima Panda on June 16.
The venue will host around 30 swings, including traditional rope swings, along with a mini fair, food stalls featuring paan and traditional pitha, and various entertainment activities. Competitions such as Puchi, Jhoti, Mehendi, Musical Chairs and card games will also be organized for young women.
During the event, five matriculation students from Khandagiri High School and Saraswati Shishu Mandir who secured A1 grades will be felicitated and provided financial assistance of ₹10,000 each, informed organizer Himanshu Sekhar Chhotray.
Patrpada Raja Mahotsav to showcase 125 swings
The 16th Patrpada Raja Mahotsav will be celebrated from June 14 to June 17 under the joint initiative of Maharaja Cricket Association and Patrapada Bhagabanpur Yuba Bahini
A major attraction of the festival will be 125 swings, including a special swing dedicated to Radha-Krishna. Invited guests will ceremonially begin the festivities by placing the deities on the swing.
The event will feature traditional competitions such as Poda Pitha preparation, Puchi, Hulahuli, rope-jumping and Muruj art for women, while men will compete in cards, chess and volleyball tournaments. Cultural programmes will be held every evening, and a Mina Bazaar with a variety of stalls will add to the festive charm, said association secretary Rabindra Nath Sahu.
The upcoming Raja celebrations are expected to draw large crowds and showcase Odisha’s rich cultural traditions, bringing together people of all ages in a vibrant display of festivity and community spirit.
