While Mensuration is considered as a taboo , this festival in Orissa proudly celebrates it .
Raja celebration a symbol of Women Empowerment!
Orissa can be called as the land of festivals!! Every month has a unique festival and it's often called as " thirteen festivals in twelve months " Raja Sankranti or Raja Parba is one of the most celebrated festivals of Orissa ! It's a 4 day festival , the first day is called as the Pahili Raja , second day is Mithuna Sankranti, third Day is Bhu dasa or Basi Raja and the fourth day Vasumati Snana.
The food is an integral part of this festival . Several delicacies are prepared of which Poda pitha is the most famous one !!
Arisa pitha, Raja pana and chakuli pitha .
Women are barred from domestic errands, get decked up in New clothes , jewelry and many decorative items are used to get decked up !!;
Songs and Swings tied to tree trunks mark this festival .Swings are traditionally tied on mango or tamarind trees , banyan tree .The raja folk songs are sung in chorus as the swings go to and fro !! Various games like cards are played till past midnight.
The Significance:

It is believed that Mother Earth gets her Menstrual Cycle in these days 3 days and she is given the ceremonial bath on the fourth day !!All agricultural activities like ploughing or sowing are halted as Mother Earth rejuvenates .
While menstruating women are alienated and forbidden to enter temples in many parts of India , it is a great pride for Orissa that it celebrates this integral part of Womanhood !!
Happy Raja dears !!
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