June 17th 2024.
The Raja festival in Keonjhar district came to a beautiful close on Sunday, with thousands of people, mainly women, gathering to witness the marriage of the beloved deity, Rajabati. The village of Harsapur and Sendkap were filled with joy and excitement as various traditional rituals were performed in honor of the deity, who is lovingly crafted from clay by the women and girls of the village.
The marriage ceremony took place at the Doli ground in Sendkap village, amidst a lively atmosphere and colorful decorations. The villagers believe that this is a sacred union between Radha and Krishna, where Mother Earth is symbolically menstruating for three days, and during this time, young women and girls are not allowed to work. Instead, they spend their time worshiping the clay idols and playing on swings, in a celebration known as Rajabati Vivah, which coincides with the Raja festival.
The significance of this unique wedding ceremony is deeply rooted in the belief that if Rajabati is pleased, then the people of the village and the surrounding areas will also experience happiness and prosperity, including a bountiful harvest. People from far and wide travel to the village to participate in the Raja festival and witness the joyous wedding ceremony, which not only brings the community together but also creates a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
During the festivities, girls and young women can be seen playing on swings, known as Raja doli, as it is an integral part of the wedding rituals. Ranjan Behera, one of the organizers at Sendkap village, shared their determination to keep this tradition alive and maintain its cultural significance.
The villagers follow a three-day ritual during the Raja festival. On the first day, the idols of Rajabati, a male and female deity, are carefully crafted from clay, and a swing is set up at the festival ground. On the second day, known as Raja sankranti, the idols are adorned in vibrant wedding attire and brought to the marriage pandal in a grand procession from the village. The third day is dedicated to the marriage ceremony of the two idols, followed by a lavish feast. Finally, on the fourth day, the idols are taken in a procession and immersed in the water as a symbol of purification, known as Basumati Snana.
The Raja festival and the unique wedding ceremony of Rajabati not only hold great cultural and religious significance, but it also brings the people of the village together and strengthens their bond. It is a celebration of love, unity, and the bounties of nature, making it a truly special and cherished event for all.
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