Among many wife’s of Lord Vishnu, VASUDHA is the Goddess Earth. After with VASUDHA lord Vishnu was called VASHUDEV. The lovely queen VASUDHA is the mother of all. She is the creator of Time & Nature. Yearly once like every women VASUDHA has her menstrual cycle. During this period for initial 3 days we do celebrate Rajo Festival. From Sanskrit words, Rajo & Bija are the two ornaments which brings generation. In case of a women after Raja (Menstrual Cycle) she get fertilize.
Rajo Sankranti is an interesting festival of Odisha. It comes in the month of June. After dry Summer when rainfall starts the Goddess Earth get wet. Looking into this, lovers of earth saying “Happy Rajo”. Raja festival is mainly for Farmers & Girls. The 3 days of this festival is popular as “PAHILI RAJO / SAJABAJA“, “RAJA SANKRANTI” & “VUMI SITALA / VASUMATI SNANA“.
PAHILI RAJO
The first day of Rajo Festival is called PAHILI RAJO. As a tradition in Raja girls & women visits their friends & relatives house. The cause Girls & women wears new Sarees, Dresses, Ornaments & ALTA. Few visits beauty parlor to make them more beautiful. That’s why PAHILI RAJO is also popular as SAJABAJA.
Starting from PAHILI RAJO for 3 days farmers not do farming. They believe during this period it is not good to ploughing field. To entertain more in Rajo they play several games like Ludo or Playing Cards.
RAJA SANKRANTI
The mid day of Rajo festival is called RAJO SANKRANTI. The real name of this SANKRANTI is “Mithun Sankranti“. In mid Rajo it was found peoples celebrate the day with Special Raja PODAPITHA & Chakuli Pitha. Additionally Mangoes are very common in Rajo. The most interesting thing of this festival is “DOLI”. Starting from Women to Girls all love play this. The gathering near to Rajo Doli brings an excitement to entertainment. Rajo helps to improve integrity & social relationship.
VASUMATI SNANA
I think you get confused by hearing the term “VASUMATI SNANA”. VASUMATI is the rural name of VASUDHA. The last day of Rajo festival is called VASUMATI SNANA. According to mythology after menstrual cycle this is day when VASUDHA take bath. After Rajo earth get fertilize for farming.
Popular Rajo Song
Banaste dakila Gaja,
Barasake thare aasichhi Rajo.
Asichi Rajo lo,
Gheni nua Sajabaja.
Popular Foods of Rajo Festival
During Rajo Festival various Pitha’s are found in many families. The major Pitha’s are PODAPITHA & Chakuli Pitha. Including Pitha Raja PANA (Sweet betel) is one more popular dish of Rajo.
No matter how busy I am or where ever I stay whether it is in a metro or in abroad during Rajo Festival I always remember my village & their celebrations. Hope the day will come soon when I can again celebrate Rajo in my village.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Swinging Rituals One of the most iconic aspects of Rajo is the swinging ritual. Bamboo and rope swings (Raja Doli) are hung from trees, and women take turns swinging while singing folk songs. This ritual symbolizes joy, freedom, and the awakening of nature. The songs often revolve around love, nature, and the playful banter between young men and women.
Traditional Odia sweets like Poda Pitha, Chakuli Pitha, and Kakara Pitha are prepared in every household. These delicacies are made from rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and sesame, reflecting the agricultural abundance of the region. Non-vegetarian dishes like mutton and fish curries are also enjoyed, adding to the festive fervor.
Restrictions and Observances During Rajo, certain restrictions are observed to respect the resting phase of Mother Earth. Plowing, digging, and other agricultural activities are prohibited. Women avoid walking barefoot and refrain from cutting trees or plants. These customs reinforce the festival’s connection with environmental conservation and respect for nature’s cycles.
Regional Variations
While Rajo is predominantly celebrated in Odisha, similar festivals are observed in neighboring states under different names. In West Bengal, Nabanna marks the harvest season, while in Assam, Ambubachi Mela celebrates the fertility of the earth. However, Rajo stands out for its unique emphasis on womanhood and communal harmony.
Modern Celebrations and Relevance
In contemporary times, Rajo has evolved into a grand cultural event. Urban areas host fairs, traditional dance performances (such as Gotipua and Odissi), and handicraft exhibitions. The festival also serves as a platform to promote Odia heritage, with young generations reconnecting with their roots through music, dance, and culinary traditions.
Beyond its cultural significance, Rajo promotes gender equality by celebrating the strength and vitality of women. It fosters community bonding, as people from all walks of life come together to partake in the festivities. The festival’s ecological message—emphasizing the need to respect nature—resonates strongly in today’s environmentally conscious world.
Conclusion
The Rajo Festival is more than just a seasonal celebration; it is a profound expression of Odisha’s cultural ethos, intertwining agrarian traditions, feminine power, and environmental reverence. Through its rituals, feasts, and communal harmony. Rajo not only preserves ancient customs but also adapts to modern sensibilities, ensuring its relevance for future generations. As the swings sway and the songs of Rajo echo through the villages and cities of Odisha, the festival continues to symbolize the enduring spirit of life, renewal, and unity.
