Subhechcha Ganguly 
Raja, a cherished festival in Odisha, India, sets the stage for a joyous celebration that brings together the rich flavours of traditional delicacies, the magic of cinema, and the captivating traditions and games of the region. Read on to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Raja, where the aroma of mouth-watering pithas fills the air, the silver screen comes alive with the release of highly anticipated films, and communities unite in spirited swings, folk games, and artistic displays. From delectable pithas to festive films and swings to folk games, Raja offers a holistic celebration of food, entertainment, and cultural heritage.
Mouth-watering Traditional Delicacies
On the culinary front, Raja is an occasion to create an array of dishes that have a shelf life of a week and taste good irrespective of the day it is eaten. These culinary innovations today are in the form of pithas ranging from manda pitha, which looks like the brethren of the Maharashtrian modak to chunchi patra pitha and podo pitha. When we talk of Raja, one thing that instantly comes to our mind is podo pitha. The aroma and taste of this particular pitha are so alluring that it happens to be Lord Jagannath’s favourite and is savoured by Him after each meal.
Besides, delicacies like arisa pitha and raja pana are prepared in every Odia household. Essentially, baked pancakes were the only way to sustain for the three days with no real activity. “The first day of Raja is often celebrated with food such as budha chakuli, a sweet pancake that is slathered with ghee and khiri (kheer) followed by a rather light meal of chakuli pitha with milk and fruits such as banana or mango or a roasted cumin-tempered dalma, which is good on the palate and light on the stomach,” said Aastha Kumari, a home chef.
“The rich food such as podo pitha is kept for the second day to help replenish the lost nutrients. It is at this time when complex dishes such as biri pitha (which uses a filling of lentils in a pancake) or kakara pitha which is deep fried or even those that are made with fermented rice batter, are made a part of the meal that is rich in fruits and nuts, which help the body start the rejuvenating process gradually,” she informed.
“The third day, which is referred to as rejivika or rebirth, is celebrated with a variety of podo pitha, and in a few cases, with saptapuri (seven-layer puri), and meetha paan (which is made with herbs, crystal sugar, clove and herbs such as paan mahuri). In a few households, there is a special preparation of mutton curry or a vegetarian equivalent. The change of the meal back in the day not only signalled the completion of the cycle but also a benchmark of good health. When it comes to mood, food and health, our ancestors sure knew how to use what we eat to transform how we feel,” Aastha added.
Filmy Extravaganza
From the very beginning, Raja has been one of the most preferred and sought-after festivals for Ollywood filmmakers to release their films on the big screen. In fact, some of the biggest hits of Odia cinema happened during Raja. Engrossed in the festivity and leisurely mood, people in groups flock to the nearest theatres for a gala time together.
Just like Bollywood filmmakers release their films on festive weekends like Diwali and Eid, Ollywood’s A-list actors, producers and directors always want their films to hit the big screens on two special festival weekends – Raja and Dussehra. The lucky ones manage to book a slot for their film for Raja as it has become a tradition among fans across the state to throng cinema halls during the festival. The films also get a fantastic opening at the box office.
Subhasmita Jena, a budding filmmaker, said, “I am new to the party and have just started making short films. Being into filmmaking since childhood, I have closely seen the craze of Odia people to watch an Odia movie in theatres during Raja. This is a celebration in itself. Films are meant to bring people together, no matter the occasion. There are a couple of movies lined up for Raja release and all of them seem promising. I hope the charm of the Odia film industry returns back to normal this Raja.”
Games and Traditions
Special swings come up in both rural and urban areas during Raja. The swings are specifically put up for girls and are of different varieties like Ram Doli, Chakri Doli, Pata Doli, Dandi Doli and Bamboo Doli, These are usually tied to the branches of huge mango or banyan trees. The rope of the swing is beautifully decorated with garlands of different flowers. Dolire jhuliba is synonymous with being pampered!
Puchi, a traditional game, is also popular among young girls who try to swirl around in a systematic manner. It can be played both in sitting or standing positions (thia puchi and basa puchi). This is one of the favourite sports of girls since time immemorial and is also played during Kumara Purnima. Considered an excellent method of keeping oneself totally fit, this game, however, has taken a backseat nowadays and is found only in the rural pockets of Odisha.
Jhhoti or Chita is the traditional Odia art on the floor and walls. The Jhhoti are thought to bring good luck. Very similar to rangolis, it is made with powdered rice paste, and gives a rich white look after being drawn on the floor. At many places, there are jhhoti competitions during which girls display their artistic skills. The men and women also spend their time playing cards and enjoying raja pana.
Gamha dian is another game which is played during Raja. It is an improvised version of the high jump in which one has to run, jump and pluck whatever you want from the list of things tied to bamboo.
The most popular game is kabaddi which is called baguddi in rural Odisha. The rules are the same but instead of ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’, the players repeat ‘Baguddi Baguddi’. Villages form teams and challenge each other in tournaments. The enthusiasm and excitement are such that spectators brave the clouds of dust and occasional mud splatters to watch the matches.
In forest areas, the tribal people or Adivasis celebrate the festival by drinking their age-old traditional wine made of palm juice and mohul flower. “Raja is a time of merriment and enjoyment for the entire society as a whole. They drink to their fill and dance till late in the night to folk songs and the beat of drums. Everyone in the house and the neighbourhood mingle with each other and become a part of the celebrations,” said Tillotama Munda, a tribal who is currently pursuing her PhD in agriculture.
In Keonjhar’s Jalabang, hundreds of people gather to witness Rajabati marriage, a century-old tradition during the festival. Idols of Rajabati and her groom are made of clay and the marriage is solemnised as per Hindu rituals. A community feast is also organised on the occasion.
As Raja unfolds each year, it continues to captivate the senses with its enticing array of traditional delicacies, captivating films, and spirited games. The festival serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, as families come together to celebrate, reconnect, and create cherished memories. Whether savouring the flavours of pithas, revelling in the magic of Odia cinema, or participating in age-old games and traditions, Raja is an immersive experience that showcases the essence of community, togetherness, and festive joy.
