Raja Sankranti is an important festival of
Orissa and it welcomes the monsoon season. It is a 3-day festival marking the beginning of the agricultural activities for the year.
Cuttack and
Puri districts are the main centers of the festival. The festival is also known as Mithuna Sankranti and Swing Festival.
During these three days, the farms are left untouched. The farms are allowed to be wetted by the first showers of the monsoon, making them ready for the year’s produce. This is symbolic of giving Mother Earth some rest. The days are named ‘Pahili Raja’, ‘Raja’ and ‘Basi Raja’. A host of festivities and celebrations mark the event. Songs containing the feelings of love, affection, respect and social respect are sung.
This festival is special for the girls. Swings, having names such as 'Ram Doli', 'Charki Doli', 'Pata Doli' and 'Dandi Doli' are tied to the trees. Special savories and dishes are specially prepared for the event.
