Raja Sankranti
OdiaAlso known as: Raja Parba, Raja
Raja Sankranti
About Raja Sankranti
Raja Parba is a three-day festival in Odisha celebrated in mid-June, honouring Mother Earth's menstruation and the onset of the agricultural season. Raja Sankranti is the first and most important day of this unique celebration of fertility and womanhood.
The festival marks the beginning of the new agricultural cycle, with the earth entering her fertile period. The first day (Pahili Raja) celebrates the earth's preparation for sowing, while the second day is the actual Raja, and the third day is Basi Raja.
Women and girls enjoy special swings (doli and rama chakuli), wear new clothes, and play traditional games. Elaborate feasts are prepared, including traditional pitha like poda pitha, arisa pitha, and chakuli pitha.
Raja Parba is unique to Odisha and highlights the state's deep connection to agriculture, fertility, and the celebration of womanhood. It is one of the few festivals in India that celebrates menstruation as a sign of fertility.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Raja Parba is a celebration rather than a fasting observance, with women enjoying special treats and rest.
- Women and girls should rest during the three days.
- Prepare elaborate traditional feasts and sweets.
- Enjoy swings and participate in traditional games.
- Wear new clothes and celebrate womanhood.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The festival is marked by feasting and celebration rather than fasting.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean and decorate the house.
- Prepare traditional pitha and sweets.
- Set up swings for women and girls.
- Perform prayers to Mother Earth for fertility.
- Enjoy the festive feast with family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Raja Parba celebrates Mother Earth's menstruation, symbolising fertility and the preparation of the soil for sowing.
Special sweets like poda pitha, arisa pitha, chakuli pitha, and various traditional delicacies are prepared.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.