Bhubaneswar, June 15: The second day of the Raja festival, observed as Raja Sankranti, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and festive spirit across Bhubaneswar on Monday. People of all age groups participated in the celebrations, enjoying traditional customs, cultural activities, and festive delicacies.
As Raja Sankranti marks an important day of the three-day festival, women were seen adorning their feet with alta, a traditional custom associated with the occasion. Swing rides, one of the major attractions of Raja, continued to draw large crowds, with women and men appearing to enjoy the festivities as much as children.
Several parks and public spaces in the city turned into vibrant celebration hubs. At Forest Park, visitors immersed themselves in cultural programmes featuring music and dance performances. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere while relishing traditional Raja delicacies, including pitha, dahi bara, sweets, and paan.
Residents noted that while Raja celebrations in Bhubaneswar were once largely limited to outings and recreation, efforts are now being made to recreate the festive charm of rural Odisha within the city. Organisers have introduced village-style Raja traditions, allowing urban dwellers to experience the cultural essence of the festival.
The celebrations at Forest Park and other venues continued throughout the day, reflecting the enduring popularity of Raja Parba and its significance in Odisha’s cultural heritage.
