Rajo Sankranti : The festival of swing, Odisha

Raja Parba, also known as Mithuna Sankranti, is a highly esteemed festival in Odisha, India. Raja Sankranti, also known as the ‘Swing Festival’, is observed on last day of Jyestha and  the first and second day of the month of Asadha in the Hindu calendar. It is a state government holiday celebrated in Odisha, eastern India. This festival is part of a three-day celebration that welcomes the monsoon rainy season.

According to the festival’s lore, the Earth goddess (Bhuma Devi) experiences her menstrual cycle during this time of the year (June). The term ‘Raja’ in Odia translates to ‘menstruation,’ originating from ‘Rajaswala,’ which signifies ‘a menstruating woman.’

Historical Evidence on Rajo sankranti :

Although there are no precise historical documents that pinpoint the exact origin of Rajo Sankranti, the festival’s existence is backed by:

• Folklore and Oral Traditions:These stories and customs, passed down through generations, provide evidence of the festival’s longstanding tradition.
• Ancient Texts and Scriptures: References to similar festivals and rituals associated with the worship of the earth and agricultural cycles can be found in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures.

Cultural Importance of Rajo sankranti:

Throughout History Rajo Sankranti has transformed throughout the years, embracing diverse local practices and customs:

• Swinging Tradition: The utilization of swings during the festival is thought to have deep-rooted beginnings, Women find great delight in swinging on swings suspended from trees or other structures, representing a sense of happiness and liberation connected with the monsoon season and fertility.
• Women’s Celebration: The festival’s emphasis on women and their welfare, taking a pause from everyday tasks, and honoring femininity is a long-standing tradition.
• Beauty and Hygiene: Women enhance their beauty by adorning their feet and hands with alata, a vibrant red dye, donning new sarees, and embellishing themselves with exquisite jewellery
• Respect for Mother Earth: During these days, no digging or construction work takes place as a mark of reverence towards the earth, which is considered to be in a menstruating state

Mythological connection:

The origins of Rajo Sankranti are deeply rooted in mythology, connecting it to ancient traditions and beliefs:

• Goddess Bhudevi: This festival honors Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess and wife of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that during these days, the earth goes through a menstrual cycle, representing fertility and the cycle of life.
• Agricultural Significance: Rajo Sankranti signifies the start of the agricultural year, a crucial period for planting seeds and getting the land ready for cultivation, reflecting its close association with age-old farming customs.

Regional Differences:

Although the fundamental spirit of Rajo Sankranti remains unchanged, there may be discrepancies in how it is observed in various regions of Odisha. Certain areas may have their own distinct traditions and supplementary ceremonies.

How Rajo Sankranti celebrated:

• First Day of Celebration: On this day, everyone gets ready for the upcoming festivities. People clean their houses and put on new clothes to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
• Festival Highlight: The second day is the main day of the festival, filled with various rituals and joyful celebrations.
• A Day for Family: The third day is all about spending quality time with family and enjoying delicious feasts. It’s a more relaxed day of the celebration.
• Optional Fourth Day: In some regions, there is an optional fourth day called Basumati Snana. This day is dedicated to bathing the grinding stone, symbolizing Bhudevi, with turmeric paste and flowers.

 Fun with delicious dishes’ :

1. Enjoying the Festivities: Mouth-watering treats like pithas, podo pitha, and chakuli pitha and rajo pano  are made for the occasion. People also indulge in delicious fruits like mangoes, jackfruits, and other seasonal fruits.
2. Having Fun: Traditional games like kabaddi, ludo, and various outdoor activities are popular during the celebration. Some regions even host wrestling competitions and other physical games for entertainment.