Odia Samaj ladies wing celebrates ‘Raja Utsav' with traditional grandeur
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Nagpur: Embracing tradition with elegance, the Ladies Wing of Odia Samaj Nagpur ushered in the vibrant 'Raja Utsav' with great fervour and cultural splendour. Held at the Odia Samaj Hall in Rameshwari, the celebration beautifully recreated the essence of one of Odisha's most beloved and feminine festivals.
Spanning three days from June 14 to 16, 'Raja' is a joyful ode to womanhood, and the cyclical rhythm of nature, heralding the onset of the agricultural season. Symbolising rest, rejuvenation, and the blossoming spirit of women, the festival occupies a unique place in Odisha's cultural tapestry.
Clad in traditional attire, the womenfolk of the Samaj prepared an exquisite array of festive delicacies at home, with a delectable focus on an assortment of pithas — intricate rice-based sweets and savouries that are quintessential to 'Raja' celebrations.
A beautifully adorned doli (swing), draped in flowers and fabrics, stood as the centrepiece of the event, where women took turns joyfully swinging to the lilting tunes of traditional 'Raja' songs. The air resonated with laughter, music, and the warmth of community bonding.
Adding a playful charm to the evening were traditional games and lively interactions in which both women and men participated with equal enthusiasm. The festivities culminated in a sumptuous Odia-style dinner, followed by the customary indulgence in 'paan' (betel leaf), sealing the evening with aromatic delight and cultural pride.
The celebration not only brought together the Odia diaspora of Nagpur but also served as a vibrant reminder of Odisha's rich traditions, lovingly preserved and passed down through generations.
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