Raja Parba

Raja Parba is a festival celebrated in Odisha in India. Also known as Mithuna Sankranti, Raja, Raj Parba or Raj Parva, the Hindu festival is usually celebrated for three to four days in the middle of June. Raja Parba is known as Mithuna Sankranti as the second day of the festival signifies the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna, heralding the rains.

The Raja Parba is especially good for women, as they are not supposed to carry out their household chores during the four days of the festival. In fact, Raja Parba celebrates womanhood and menstruation. Young girls and women often dress in a new saree or costume on Raja Parba and spend some time playing or celebrating. Songs are sung and a special floral swing is used in the festival by women. Men also play outdoor games, especially kabaddi, during the four-day break. During Raja Parba, since it is the onset of the monsoons in Odisha, people avoid walking barefoot.

Photo courtesy: HT.

Wishing All My Odia brothers & Sisters,a very Happy "रज् पर्व" !! pic.twitter.com/7vfVorJqJQ

— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) June 14, 2017