Raja: Social silence on menstruation persists

With the arrival of ‘Raja’—a three-day-long unique festival that celebrates menstruation, fertility, and womanhood, Odisha decks up in vibrant colours, swings, alata-adorned feet, and the sweet aroma of poda pitha, symbolic and distinct to the celebration of the festival.

- RESHMI YADAV, OP

Yet, despite the profound message, the irony persists. Menstruation still remains a taboo subject in much of society, even in the state which celebrates it.

With its origins from the Sanskrit word ‘Rajaswala’ which refers to a menstruating woman —the festival is dedicated to ‘Bhumi’ (Earth goddess), who experiences menstruation during three days of the festival. Agricultural activities come to rest, women refrain from work, and joy takes center stage.

“Raja is not just a festival, it’s a celebration of womanhood. While the rest of the world hides menstruation in whispers, we celebrate it with pitha, pana and raja doli,” said Akankhya Rout, a journalist from the state working in Lucknow. “For families which have migrated outside Odisha, Raja becomes a time to reconnect with roots,” she adds.

Odia film actress