President, Governor, CM Extend Greetings as Odisha Celebrates Raja Festival

The vibrant and culturally rich three-day Raja festival began across Odisha on Saturday, with President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik extending heartfelt greetings to the people.

Raja (pronounced raw-jaw) is a unique celebration in Odisha that pays tribute to womanhood, fertility, and the rejuvenating spirit of Mother Earth, aligning with the advent of the monsoon season. This year, the festivities are being observed from June 14 to 16.

President Murmu, who hails from Odisha, took to social media platform X to wish the people on the occasion. “I am wishing my dear countrymen heartily on the occasion of Raja festival. On the arrival of rainy season, honouring Mother Earth this agrarian festival is observed by eating sweets, playing swings, kabaddi and betel and sweet drinks. This festival is celebrated for three days in Odisha. From this, we should take inspiration from walking in harmony with nature,” she posted.

Governor Kambhampati and Chief Minister Majhi also conveyed their wishes, highlighting the cultural significance of Raja and its message of respect for femininity and environmental harmony. In his message, CM Majhi noted, “Raja is not just a festival but a celebration of our roots, our mothers, our soil, and our traditions. May this festival bring joy, health, and prosperity to all.”

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik extended his greetings as well, calling Raja “a reflection of Odisha’s deep reverence for nature and womanhood.”

Throughout the state, the festive spirit is visible — young girls dress in traditional attire, swings are put up in courtyards and fields, delicacies like poda pitha are prepared, and rural games such as kabaddi add energy to the celebration.

The Raja festival is particularly popular among the youth and is seen as a time for rest, renewal, and bonding — a unique blend of cultural pride and ecological awareness.