Young girls shop ahead of Raja festival at a market complex in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 8: The three-day Raja festival is just a week away and women in the capital have been thronging clothes and accessories stores for last minute shopping.

Since the festival is dedicated to womanhood, fashion stores across Bhubaneswar are offering heavy discounts and attractive items to woo women. From heavily embellished saris to colourful kurtis and even sporty tops, women of different age groups can be seen picking up the trendiest stuff at sari houses, shopping malls and designer stores.

While some stores are offering flat 20 per cent discounts, others can be found offering gifts with every purchase. Similarly, some stores are giving scratch-and-win coupons or having lucky draws.

“Traditionally Raja is the celebration of the spirit of being a woman. The festival today has attained much more meaning for girls of my generation,” said Sampriti Mishra, a young corporate employee. “So, the festival being a very special occasion and considering the plenty of discounts offered almost at all stores, I’m choosing some well-ornamented kurtis,” she said.

“Shopping is a must for Raja since we need to gift new clothes to all women and girls among our relatives. Moreover, it has become a custom today to wear gorgeous clothes on Raja,” said Anita Swain, another shopper.

Young girls may be engrossed in shopping, but those belonging to the previous generation can be found musing on the transformation of the festival from an occasion of ethnic rituals to a shopping extravaganza.

“Raja has turned into a shopping spree only in the last decade or so. Traditionally, we used to play a number of cultural games meant for women and make merry in interesting ways. But today, it is the number of dresses you buy that adds to the excitement of the festival,” said Bandana Routray, a homemaker.

However, apparel stores and houses offering fashion accessories are happy since it’s business time.

“This is one of the busiest times of the year for us. Women of all ages come down to collect new sets of bangles for themselves and other female friends and relatives. They also buy ornaments, cosmetics and other decorative accessories in bulk,” said Subhas Behera, an accessories storeowner.