Mithuna Sankranti 2023: Raja Parba, another name for Mithuna Sankranti is a traditional festival held in the Indian state of Odisha. It is primarily a celebration of femininity, fertility and the beginning of the monsoon season. The festival has historical and mythological significance in Odia culture.
Mithuna Sankranti 2023: Dates
Mithuna Sankranti is a three-day festival. The first day is called Raja Sankranti, the second day is called Mithuna Sankranti and the third day is celebrated as Bhudaha or Basi Raja. It usually falls on Sukhla Pakhshya in mid-June, which is the end of the Odia month of Jyeshta and the arrival of the month of Ashadha. And this year it will be held from June 14 to June 16.
|
Day |
Event |
|
June 14, 2023 |
Pahili Raja |
|
June 15, 2023 |
Mithuna Sankranti |
|
June 16, 2023 |
Bhudaha or Basi Raja |
Raja Sankranti 2023: History
The origins of Raja Parba can be traced back to ancient times when farming communities relied heavily on monsoon rains for successful harvests. The festival is said to have originated from the worship of Mother Earth and her fertility. It is also associated with the legend of Goddess Bhudevi, who is believed to experience her menstrual cycle during this period. Therefore, the first day of the festival, known as Pahili Raja, is dedicated to cleansing and purification rituals of Mother Earth.
Over the years, Raja Parba has evolved into a celebration of femininity, agriculture and the arrival of the monsoon. It is a time when the community comes together to rejoice in the bounty of nature and express gratitude for the blessings of life.
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Mithuna Sankranti 2023: Meaning
Raja Parab is an agriculture-oriented festival, mainly celebrated in the coastal districts of Orissa for three days. Mithuna Sankranti has cultural and astronomical significance. It marks the transition of the Sun to the zodiac sign Gemini (Mithuna) according to the Hindu calendar. This event is held to honor the changing seasons and agricultural cycles. The festival marks the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions associated with this unique festival.
In this festival, Mother Earth or “Basu Mata” is seen as a menstruating woman. Therefore, digging or composting the soil in any form is strictly prohibited. Mother Earth rests like a woman imposed by many limitations. According to another folk tale, the festival is celebrated to honor Bhudevi, the wife of Lord Jagannath. This is also considered one of the main festivals for unmarried girls or future mothers. It symbolizes new beginnings, fertility and growth. Devotees often bathe ritually in sacred rivers, pray, and perform acts of charity. The festival brings the community together, fostering unity and spirituality.
Mithuna Sankranti 2023: Celebration
The festival of Raja Sankranti originates from the Sanskrit name, ‘Raja’ which means menstruation. Therefore, during Raja Parba, women take a break from their daily work and participate in various cultural activities. They wear traditional costumes, play games, sing folk songs and swing on beautifully decorated swings called “pithas”. These swings symbolize the joy and fertility associated with the festival. It is believed that swinging on these pithas will bring luck and prosperity.
Mithuna Sankranti also shows the bond between siblings. On the second day of the festival, called Mithuna Sankranti, sisters apply a special medicine on their brothers’ bodies and pray for their well-being.
Special cakes made from rice flour, molasses, coconut, camphor, ghee, etc. are called Podapitha (burnt cakes). The size of the cake varies depending on the number of family members. Cakes are also exchanged between relatives and friends. Young girls do not take rice during this festival and only eat cakes, puffed rice and vegetable curry. People indulge in different types of fun activities in the community. Special dance events ‘Yatras’ and ‘Gotipua’ are arranged at the community level.
In short, Raja Parab is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. It celebrates and rejoices at the beginning of the monsoon season, honors the Earth’s fertility, and expresses gratitude for the bountiful harvests to come. People participated in various fun activities, including swinging on decorated rope swings, playing traditional games, and enjoying delicious food. The festival promotes feelings of unity, happiness and rejuvenation as individuals and communities come together to celebrate the beauty and richness of nature.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn