Bhubaneswar, June 14: Nidhi Agarwal, a 21-year-old college student from Chhattisgarh, had the opportunity to celebrate the Raja festival with women of the state.
Nidhi played the traditional game puchhi, relished paan (betel) and rode decorated swings.
Women tourists irrespective of age were seen enjoying the festival with the girls at the Raja Mahotsav organised by the Odisha Tourist Guide Association on the foothills of the Dhauli peace pagoda.
Visitors, including foreign tourists, were seen applying alata and sampling various types of pithas(pan cakes).
The festival, which celebrates Mother Earth's fertility and the spirit of womanhood, is an opportunity for women to take a break from the humdrum of life, pamper themselves and enjoy the rains.
"I found out that the festival celebrates the spirit of womanhood. I am really happy that I came to the state at this time," Nidhi said.
Women were seen spending time in malls and restaurants in their new dresses and jewellery.
Beautifully decorated rope swings have been hung from trees at various localities in the city. Cultural organisations are hosting a number of events to give urban revellers a chance to experience traditions of Raja festival by preparing traditional dishes and performing folk songs and dance.
Women took part in many competitions such as mehendi and pitha-making contests organised by various ladies' forums.
Girls less than 15 years old took part in contests such as Odissi dance, folk song and modern dance. There was also an exciting antakshari competition on Odia songs. A special performance of Odissi dance drama Barasake Thare Asichhi Raja (Raja has come once in a year) was presented.
Women in Cuttack prepared various types of pithas with their friends. They played traditional games such as puchhi and kowdi.
The festival is being celebrated across the state, including Puri, Paradip, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Baripada, Bhadrak and Balasore.
"I love celebrating Raja with friends. It's fun to take part in swing contests," said Archana Patnaik, an IT professional.
