post news network
Bhubaneswar, June 14: The first day of the three-day Raja festival lent colour and charm to the city as families got together for the celebration. Young girls played on decorated swings, shared pithas and indulged in traditional games.
A host of organisations, joined in the fun with their own celebrations of the festival. The 17th state-level Raja Mahotsava was jointly organised by Mashal at Rabindra Mandap. It showcased the essence of the festival.
Various cultural programmes were also organised, which included performances such as raja ballet, badhaai folk dance, creative dance, folk dance drama, sahi jata, sambalpuri dance, mask dance and different games which enthralled young and old alike.
Sapnapati Foundation organised a function at IDCOL auditorium. It featured a puchi khela competition in which young girls and children took part with fervour. “It was really fun to play this traditional game of Raja. I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Supreety Sahu, a class VI student, said. Other cultural vistas at the event included dance and singing by children.
Swings are an important feature of Raja festival and hundreds of swings were set up at Patrapada Maharaja Cricket Association ground. Young and old played on these as part of tradition. “Swinging with group of friends makes the celebration more interesting. I came here with friends and am glad to see so many swings hanging,” Prajapati Mishra, a visitor, said. The festival was also celebrated at Bhanja Kala Mandap.
