Bhubaneswar, 13 June (H.S.) : The Vishwa Odia Parivar will celebrate the traditional Raja Mahotsav in a grand and culturally vibrant manner from June 14 to 16 at the Odisha State Museum near Kalpana Square in Bhubaneswar.

Announcing the programme at a press conference on Saturday, organisation president Sajjan Sharma said the festival aims to preserve and promote Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and the age-old tradition of Raja Parba, which symbolises reverence for Mother Earth, womanhood and the agrarian ethos of the state.

The three-day festival will feature a wide range of cultural programmes, competitions, discussions and traditional festivities, including the popular Raja swing (Doli) celebrations.

On the first day, June 14, events such as Raja Sajabaja Competition, Painting Competition, Kavi Sammilani (Poets’ Meet), and a panel discussion titled “From Adolescence to Motherhood” will be organised.

The second day, June 15, will witness Kanya Pujan, a discussion on “Protection of Mother and Mother Earth”, along with Jhoti Chita and Mehendi competitions.

The concluding day on June 16 will feature several competitions and a thematic discussion on “Self-Reliant Women, Healthy Planet”.

Several distinguished dignitaries are expected to attend the Raja Mahotsav as chief guests and speakers. Among them are Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Shobhana Mahanty, Child Rights Commission Chairperson Babita Patra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Member of Parliament Anita Subhadarshini, and Odisha State Museum Superintendent Bharati Pal.

The organisers have invited the public to participate enthusiastically in the celebrations and experience the spirit of Raja, one of Odisha’s most cherished festivals.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda