Bhubaneswar, June 12: As Odisha prepares to welcome Pahili Raja on Sunday, the festive mood has already taken over Bhubaneswar. Markets are bustling with shoppers, beauty parlours are packed with customers, and the aroma of freshly prepared pitha fills the air. From colourful swings adorning malls to temporary paan stalls at busy intersections, the city is soaking in the vibrant spirit of Raja.
For many, Raja is more than just a festival—it is an emotion that brings together tradition, joy and nostalgia. With Sajabaja marking the beginning of the celebrations, families have finalized their plans for the three-day festival. Young girls and women are busy choosing new dresses, jewellery and cosmetics, while sweet makers and home chefs are taking advance orders for traditional Raja delicacies.
The festive rush is clearly visible across shopping malls and local markets. Stores have been decorated with colourful displays and traditional swings to attract customers. Everywhere, there is excitement as people prepare to celebrate one of Odisha's most beloved festivals.
The essence of Raja comes alive through its folk songs. Melodies such as "Banaste Dakila Gaja, Barasake Thare Asichi Raja" and "Raja Doli Katamata" continue to echo through villages and cities alike, carrying with them memories of childhood and community celebrations. The songs, coupled with the sight of decorated swings and groups of friends gathering together, create an atmosphere of joy that transcends age.
Though often described as a festival dedicated to women, Raja is celebrated by people from all sections of society. Young women apply alta on their feet, decorate their hands with mehendi, adorn their hair with flowers and spend hours enjoying swings with friends and family. Traditional pithas, sweets and paan remain an inseparable part of the celebrations.
Beauty parlours witness festive rush
With Raja around the corner, beauty parlours across the city are witnessing a surge in customers. Women are opting for facials, bleaching, hair smoothing and other grooming services to look their best during the festivities.
To attract customers, many parlours are offering special Raja discounts ranging from 15 to 30 per cent. Groups of friends can be seen arriving together, making the pre-festival grooming experience a celebration in itself.
The everlasting charm of Raja Paan
No Raja celebration is complete without paan. More than just a mouth freshener, paan has become a cherished tradition associated with the festival.
This year, herbal and Ayurvedic paans are among the most popular choices. Prepared using ingredients such as long pepper, amla, ginger, mint powder and cloves, these paans are believed to aid digestion and offer health benefits. Digestive paan is expected to be one of the major attractions of the season.
Paan lovers are spoiled for choice with over a hundred varieties available in the market. White Chocolate Paan, Dark Chocolate Paan, Mango Paan, Gupchup Paan, Pineapple Paan, Laddu Paan, Maharaja Paan, Shatarangi Paan and Fire Paan are among the favourites. Prices range from as little as ₹20 to nearly ₹1,000 for premium varieties.
Children, too, have their own special options, including KitKat Paan, Choco Chip Paan and Dairy Milk Paan. Meanwhile, customized premium paan gift packs are gaining popularity among corporate offices and government establishments, with prices ranging from ₹200 to ₹5,000. Many of these products are also available through online orders.
According to Ramakanta Senapati of Banarasi Paan Bhandar in Sahid Nagar, Raja brings a significant boost to business every year. "People consider paan an essential part of Raja celebrations. Children enjoy special chocolate-based varieties, while offices place bulk orders for premium packaged paans. The demand starts rising days before the festival," he says.
As Bhubaneswar gears up for the grand celebration, the city is once again proving that Raja is not merely a festival. It is a celebration of culture, tradition, friendship and togetherness—one that continues to bring smiles, memories and flavours to every household year after year.
