Celebrated indoors, Raja fest lights up social media
Bhubaneswar: Due to restrictions on religious congregrations owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, people in the state marked the beginning of the Raja festival on Sunday mostly by staying indoors and wishing friends and relatives on social media platforms. Unlike previous years, the three-day agrarian festival – celebrating womanhood and the onset of monsoons – began on a low-key note, without any gatherings or community celebrations.
Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed their wishes and greeted people of the state on social media.
“Greetings on the occasion of Raja Parba! During this three-day Odia festival, people celebrate the advent of monsoon and worship Mother Earth. May this Raja Parba bring peace, prosperity and good health for everyone,” tweeted Vice-President Naidu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Greetings on the very special festival of Raja Parba. May this occasion strengthen the spirit of joy and brotherhood in society. I also pray for the good health and well-being of my fellow citizens.” Chief minister Naveen Patnaik requested people to make this year’s festival special by observing it at home in adherence to Covid-19 guidelines. “This festival implies our unique tradition which respects nature, earth and womanhood,” the CM tweeted.
This year’s Raja festival has coincided with the weekend lockdown in 11 districts of the state. In several districts, administrations have imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 to dissuade people from congregating at religious places. However, social media platforms were flooded with pictures of young girls decked up in their best and enjoying mouth-watering delicacies at home.
“The situation is different this year. We have celebrated many Raja festivals and will celebrate several others too, if we manage to survive this pandemic by following guidelines issued by the government. We did everything that do for Raja every fear except meeting people and going out,” said Aparna Das, an engineering student.