My childhood in Assam is graced by the joyous celebration of Tuloni Biya (also known as Xoru Biya, Nua-tuloni, or Santi Biya) – a ceremony marking the beginning of a girl’s menstrual cycle. This cherished memory, shared with my mother and sisters, instilled a sense of empowerment and openness.
One conversation with my mother-in-law during the initial years of my marriage stands out. Not only did she encourage discussions about menstruation, but she also highlighted the incredible gift it represents – the ability to create life itself. This heartwarming exchange unveiled a beautiful custom from Odisha – the Celebration of Raja; A vibrant celebration that honors not just womanhood but also menstruation, a natural biological process. This is Raja Parba, a three-day festival unique to Odisha, India. It breaks the taboo surrounding menstruation by recognizing it as a sign of fertility and the Earth’s ability to give life.
Odisha believes Lord Jagannath’s (Vishnu) wife, Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess, undergoes a menstrual cycle during Raja Parba, marking the transition from summer to monsoon. “Raja,” derived from “Rajaswala” (menstruating woman) in Sanskrit, emphasizes this unique celebration.
Pahili Raja (Day 1): Welcomes the festival, marking the end of summer.
Raja Sankranti (Day 2): Celebrates the arrival of the monsoon, signifying hope and rejuvenation.
Sesa Raja/Bhuin Dahana (Day 3): Bids farewell to the festival and expresses gratitude to Mother Earth.
During Raja Parba, agricultural activities cease, allowing the Earth to rest and become more fertile. Similarly, women are given a well-deserved break from household chores during these days. This reflects the belief that women, like the Earth, are givers of life and deserve rest and respect.
The festival features the ‘Rajo Paan,’ a special betel leaf treat, a refreshment embodies Odisha’s warmth and cultural identity.
The air fills with the aroma of delectable sweets, the star is the ‘Poda Pitha,’ a slow-cooked cake symbolizing the care given to nurturing both land and relationships. Other sweet treats like ‘Arisa Pitha,’ ‘Manda Pitha,’ & ‘Chakuli Pitha’ tantalize the taste buds. The beautifully decorated swings, often hung from trees, become a focal point for joy and togetherness. Women and girls sway on them, their laughter and songs create an atmosphere of celebration. These moments reflect the freedom and joy Raja Parba brings, especially for women who get a break from their daily routines.
This year we are lucky enough to celebrate Raja Parba with the lively kids of a special school in Goribadi. The sounds of laughter filled the air as kids from all ages gathered to dance, play and eat together. Young girls applied alta on their feet while other marked their forehead with flower patterns. The boys were tasked with pushing the decorated swings and chaperoned the little ones as they run around in abandonedment. As the sun set, everyone reluctantly dispursed carrying cherished memories of the warmth and happiness Raja festival brings.
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