June 17th 2024.
Bhubaneswar: The 3-day Raja festival, a cherished tradition of the Odia culture, was recently celebrated with great joy and pomp by the Odia diaspora in various countries such as UAE, UK, USA, and Australia. Despite being far from their homeland, a group of non-resident Odias living in Dubai came together to celebrate this special occasion with enthusiasm and love. The festivities were made complete with a mouth-watering spread of traditional delicacies such as Manda Pitha, Poda Pitha, and Chakuli. As the women dressed in vibrant traditional attires, they immersed themselves in the festive spirit, enjoying every moment with fervour. The celebration was filled with traditional games and lively folk songs, known as 'Raja Geeta', which added to the joyous atmosphere.
One of the hosts of the festival, Anukta Patnaik, shared her thoughts on the significance of Raja in their culture. She mentioned how the festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Odia people as it celebrates nature, womanhood, and agriculture. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by women in society, both within their families and beyond. "We are fortunate to gather and celebrate this festival in a foreign land, far from our beloved Odisha," she added. The gathering included prominent members of the Odia community in UAE, representing various sectors such as shipping, banking, finance, consumer products, medicine, science, and technology.
In London, the Odia Cultural Association organized a range of activities for the community to come together and enjoy the festivities. People gathered to have fun on the swings and relish traditional Odia delicacies like pitha and pana. Similarly, the Odia community in the USA also celebrated Raja with great zeal. Manjarika Mishra, who resides in California, shared her experience of the festival, saying that it was a way for them to relive their childhood memories. The swings played a significant role in bringing the community together and bridging the gap between their present lives and their roots in Odisha. "We captured precious moments in photographs, indulged in traditional snacks, and cherished the company of fellow Odias. In that moment, the swing became a symbol of our connection to our heritage and our community," she fondly recalled. "I am grateful for the serendipitous experience of the swing, the laughter, and the memories we created, and for the warmth of our Odia community here in the USA," she added. The Association of Odias in Australia also celebrated the festival with equal enthusiasm and fervour in Victoria.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
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