Raja Parba Utsav 2025: A Grand Celebration of Womanhood, Earth, and Odia Heritage
Raja Parba, also known as Mithuna Sankranti, is a vibrant three-day festival celebrated across Odisha, India.
Rooted in ancient tradition, the festival honors womanhood, fertility, and the Earth’s natural cycles. It is based on the belief that, like women, Mother Earth undergoes a period of menstruation during this time and requires rest and rejuvenation. This symbolic pause is closely tied to the renewal of life and the beginning of the agricultural season.
Historically, Odisha’s royal families played a vital role in observing Raja Parba. The festival was seen not only as a time of celebration but also of revitalization—for the land, the people, and the kingdom. Over time, it has evolved into a grand cultural event that highlights the unique spiritual and ecological sensibilities of the Odia people.
The term ‘Raja’ derives from the Sanskrit word rajas, meaning menstruation. A menstruating woman is referred to as rajaswala. The festival’s days each carry significance:
• First Day: Saja Baja – Preparations and house cleaning
• Second Day: Pahili Raja – Beginning of the celebration
• Third Day: Raja Sankranti – Start of the solar month of Mithuna and the monsoon
• Fourth Day: Basi Raja or Bhumi Dahana – Final rituals
• Fifth Day: Basumati Snana – Bathing of the grinding stone, symbolizing Mother Earth
During these days, agricultural activity is suspended to honor the Earth’s rest, and the focus shifts to enjoyment, tradition, and appreciation of feminine power. Unmarried girls—symbols of future motherhood—play a central role in the celebrations.
Raja Parba Utsav 2025 in Noida
For the first time ever, the grandeur of Raja Parba will be celebrated outside Odisha in a large-scale public event. Raja Parba Utsav 2025 is set to take place on 14th and 15th June at Ramleela Ground, Noida Stadium, bringing the spirit of Odisha to the National Capital Region.
Organized by Samudayik Vikas Samiti (SVS) and conceptualized by its Founder Chairman Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, the festival promises to be a cultural extravaganza for over 20,000 non-resident Odias and Odisha lovers. The Utsav will be graced by dignitaries including ministers, religious leaders, corporate heads, and prominent figures from politics and society.
A Cultural Showcase
The two-day fair will feature an expansive lineup of performances and exhibits celebrating Odisha’s rich artistic legacy:
- Dance Performances: Odissi, Sambalpuri, Gotipua, Manipuri, Jhumar, tribal, and modern dance forms
- Star Artists: Comedy King Papu Pom Pom, singers Anindita Das, Devesh Pati, Papu Panda, Jyoti, and actor-director Ashrumochan Mohanty
- Music and Comedy: Soulful tunes and humorous acts to entertain all ages
Highlight: Odia Food Festival
Food lovers will be delighted by over 30 authentic Odia delicacies, including:
• Cuttack’s Dahi Bara-Aloo Dum
• Baripada’s Mudhi-Mutton
• SalepurRasgulla
• Machha-Bhaat, Tanka Torani, Koraput Namkeen
• Traditional Pithas – Arisa, Kakara, Manda, Chhena Poda, Poda Pitha
• Special Jajpur Pan
Each dish captures the unique flavors and heritage of Odisha.
Cultural Activities and Exhibits
Visitors will also enjoy:
• Traditional Odia handloom and handicraft stalls
• Photography exhibitions, ethnic wear displays, and folk art workshops
• Women empowerment sessions
• Kids’ games, mehendi art, drawing competitions, and more
A Message from the Organizers
Speaking to the media, Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, Chief Organizer, remarked:
“Raja Parba is not just a festival—it’s a tribute to our motherland, our mother tongue, and to motherhood itself. We invite the 1.6 million Odias in NCR and Odisha enthusiasts everywhere to join us in this cultural renaissance and experience the true fragrance of Odisha.”
Admission is free and open to the public. No prior registration is required.