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Bhubaneswar: The festival season has started in Odisha. Raja, the festival of women, that kicks off June 14, will be celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm.
In a bid to make the festival meaningful to science enthusiasts too, the Pathani Samanta Planetarium has announced that it would screen videos from 11:30 am till evening from June 14 to 17.
Speaking to Orissa POST, planetarium Deputy Director Subhendu Patnaik said, “There will be three shows in three languages — Odia, Hindi and English. We know that during Raja, many visitors will come to the planetarium to enjoy videos. This initiative is being launched so that visitors can also enjoy their mornings at the planetarium. Usually the video shows start in the afternoon.”
Videos like Mysteries of the Night Sky (Odia, 30 minutes), Wonders of the Universe (Hindi, 26 minutes) and Secrets of the Sun (English, 28 minute) will be screened with half-an-hour breaks in between.
Patnaik said, “We don’t have advance booking. Those interested can book tickets half an hour before the shows. The entry ticket for children costs Rs 20 and that for adults Rs 30. We also offer 50 per cent concession to school students in a group of 30 or more.”
Meanwhile, several visitors requested the planetarium authorities to show videos with other themes also.
“I love to visit the planetarium and have watched videos there. The shows provide adequate information about space. However, I request the authorities to bring up new subjects to attract more science enthusiasts. We have seen videos on the announced subjects,” said Ranjit Parichaa, a visitor.
The new equipment at the planetarium gives a better viewing experience with 3D effects. The current sitting capacity of the planetarium is 170.
Documentary Rajo to be screened in Kerala
A documentary film ‘Rajo – The Menstruating Period of Mother Earth,’ made by Odisha film director Sisir Kumar Sahu, is being screened in Kerala by the Odia Society June 14 to mark the Raja festival.
Speaking to Orissa POST, Sisir said, “Odias believe that Mother Goddess Earth, the divine wife of Lord Bishnu, undergoes the menstruation cycle during the first three days. This is linked to the menstrual cycle of a woman. The first day of this festival is Pahili Raja (prior Raja), the second is Raja Sankranti (proper Raja), the third is Bhuin Daana (post Raja) and the fourth day is called Basumati Snana/Gadhua (ceremonial bath of Mother Earth).”
“The one-hour film produced by Peenakhee Singh is fully dedicated to women,” added Sahu.
The docu was shot at places in Odisha like Keonjhar, Angul, Cuttack, Khurdha and Puri.
Odia Tourism celebrates Raja Mahotsav at Pantha Niwas
The four-day Raja Mahotsav celebrations organised by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) began at the Panthanivas here Wednesday.
Inaugurating the festivities, Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, “The purpose of organising this celebration at all Panthanivas outlets is to revive our festivals and the traditional delicacies associated with it.”
“A variety of delicacies like Poda, Kakara, Seejha Pura Manda, Chakuli, Arisha, Chakuli Pithas, Raja Pana and Khira Gaja are available for sale. Mahula and Mandia Pithas are the new items this year,” OTDC Chairman Dilip Tirkey said.
The colourful Raja Doli (swing) installed on the premises of Panthanivas is one of the major attractions for girls during the festival.
“I have come with my friends and family to enjoy the festival to the fullest and taste traditional delicacies, especially Pithas, as the celebration of Raja is incomplete without Poda Pitha,” said Rani, a student.
