Bhubaneswar, June 17: After three days of celebrations, fun and festivity, the Raja Festival came to an end across Odisha with traditional rituals, cultural events and large public gatherings. The festival, marked by swings, traditional delicacies, betel leaf offerings and community celebrations, concluded with Basumati Snana, the ritual bathing and worship of Mother Earth.

On Wednesday morning, homemakers performed special prayers dedicated to Dharitri Mata (Mother Earth), marking the final observance of the festival. Tuesday was celebrated as Sesha Raja, the last day of the three-day festival, drawing huge crowds to Raja Mahotsavs organized across the state.

The Raja Mahotsav hosted by Biswa Odia Paribar at the Odisha State Museum concluded on Tuesday. Visitors and tourists flocked to the museum premises in the afternoon to enjoy traditional swings and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Similarly, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC)-organized Raja Mahotsav showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage through traditional cuisine, folk art and cultural performances. The “Pitha on Wheels” initiative emerged as a major attraction, offering a wide range of authentic Odia delicacies that drew enthusiastic visitors.

Large crowds were also seen at Raja celebrations held in various localities of Bhubaneswar, including Sahid Nagar, Jagamara, Brahmeswar, Samantarapur, Nuagaon, Nuapalli and Khandagiri Panthika.

Meanwhile, with the festival festivities coming to a close and Wednesday being a traditional day for non-vegetarian consumption after Raja, meat markets across the city witnessed renewed activity. Traders expressed optimism about strong sales, expecting business to be as brisk as it is on Sundays.

The conclusion of Raja once again highlighted the enduring popularity of Odisha’s unique festival, which celebrates womanhood, fertility and the relationship between humanity and nature.