Bhubaneswar, June 17: The concluding day of the Raja Festival celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan witnessed a vibrant display of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The traditional Raja song, “Barashake Thare Asichi Raja Lo, Asa Heba Sajabaja,” filled the air with nostalgia, transporting audiences—especially members of the Odia diaspora living in New Delhi—back to the sights and memories of their homeland and childhood.
Since President Droupadi Murmu assumed the nation’s highest office, several festivals and cultural traditions of Odisha have been celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Her efforts have played a significant role in promoting Odisha’s culture and traditions on a national platform.
A series of cultural programmes was organized at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre as part of the Raja Mahotsav celebrations. President Murmu attended the event along with her family members and enjoyed the festivities. Her two granddaughters also participated in the celebrations and performed dances. Among the distinguished guests present were Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal along with his family, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P.K. Mishra, former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, MPs Sambit Patra, Aparajita Sarangi and Bibhu Prasad Tarai. Several eminent Odias, senior officials, renowned artist Jatin Das, Ravi Pradhan of the Hauz Khas Jagannath Temple, Manoranjan Mohanty of the Noida Jagannath Temple, and Kamadev Biswal of the Tyagaraj Nagar Jagannath Temple were also in attendance.
Adding to the festive spirit, President Murmu, her family members and other members of the Odia community enjoyed the traditional Raja swing, a key attraction of the festival.
The cultural programme was inaugurated by the President and other guests. The celebrations began with a captivating rendition of the popular devotional song “Ahe Nila Saila” by artists from Sakhigopal. Audiences were enthralled by Santhali dance performances from Mayurbhanj, the traditional Dalkhai and Jamudali dances from Sambalpur, tribal music presented by Shiv Charan Mohant of Mayurbhanj, and Raja-themed folk songs performed by artists from Sakhigopal.
A variety of traditional Odia delicacies were also served on behalf of the President. Popular dishes such as Poda Pitha, Suji Kakara, Chhena Poda, Dahi Bara, Bara and Ghuguni emerged as major attractions. Guests also relished Bel Pana and the traditional Raja Paan, making the celebration a memorable showcase of Odisha’s cultural richness and hospitality.
