Raja Sankranti

What Is Raja Sankranti?

Raja Sankranti is an annual four-day Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Odisha. The term ‘Raja’ (pronounced ‘Raw-jah’) refers to menstruation, and ‘Sankranti’ denotes the sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another. This festival honours womanhood, fertility, and the annual rejuvenation of Mother Earth, personified as Bhudevi.

During Raja Sankranti, it is believed that Bhudevi undergoes menstruation, preparing herself to yield crops in the upcoming agricultural season. This period is observed with a focus on rest, specific dietary practices, and traditional games, particularly for women and girls. The festival underscores the cultural importance of the earth’s fertility and the role of women in society.

History and Origins of Raja Sankranti

The origins of Raja Sankranti are deeply rooted in agricultural traditions and ancient Hindu beliefs, particularly in the agrarian society of Odisha. The festival reflects an ancient understanding of natural cycles, linking the biological processes of women to the fertility of the earth. The three days of Bhudevi’s ‘menstruation’ are seen as a time when the earth is undergoing renewal and should not be disturbed.

Mythologically, it is believed that during these days, Bhudevi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, experiences her menstrual cycle. This mythological narrative explains the customary break from agricultural activities like ploughing, sowing, and tilling the soil. The festival, therefore, serves as both a cultural observance and a practical guideline for agricultural practices, allowing the soil to rest and regain its vigour before the monsoon season begins in earnest.

How Raja Sankranti Is Celebrated

Raja Sankranti is celebrated over four distinct days, each with specific customs and observances, particularly in Odisha. The festival promotes a period of rest and enjoyment, especially for women and girls.

Raja Sankranti in Odisha

The first day is called Sajja Baja or Pahili Raja, which means ‘first Raja’. This day involves preparations for the festival. Houses are cleaned, and special foods are prepared. Women and girls engage in beautification rituals, including applying alta (red dye) to their feet and choosing new attire.

The second day is Mithuna Sankranti, the main day of the festival, marking the actual transition of the sun into the Mithuna (Gemini) zodiac sign. This day is considered the menstruation period of Bhudevi. Women and girls abstain from all strenuous household chores, particularly those involving grinding, cutting, or working the soil. They are encouraged to take rest, play indoor games, sing folk songs, and enjoy rides on specially decorated swings, known as ‘Raja Doli’. Special delicacies like ‘Poda Pitha’ (baked cake) and ‘Chakuli Pitha’ (pancake) are consumed.

The third day is known as Bhu Daaha or Basi Raja. On this day, the earth is symbolically given a purifying bath. The restrictions on women continue, and the celebratory atmosphere persists with more games and feasting.

The fourth day, Vasumati Snana, marks the conclusion of the festival. On this day, an image of Bhudevi is bathed with turmeric paste and then adorned with flowers, symbolising the purification and readiness of the earth for cultivation. Following this, the ceremonial ‘halakarshana’ (ploughing) takes place, signifying the resumption of agricultural activities. Families exchange greetings and continue to enjoy traditional meals.

Throughout the festival, traditional games like ‘Ludo’, ‘playing cards’, and ‘puchi’ (a traditional game involving squatting) are popular. The swing rides are a central feature, attracting people of all ages. The emphasis is on celebrating fertility, rest, and the joy of life, honouring both the earth and womanhood.

When Is Raja Sankranti?

Raja Sankranti is a solar festival, meaning its date is determined by the sun’s position. It falls annually in the middle of June, typically around the 14th or 15th of the month, according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival specifically commences when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Mithuna (Gemini).

As it is based on the solar calendar, the date of Raja Sankranti remains relatively fixed year to year, unlike lunar festivals which shift significantly. The four-day observance begins one day before Mithuna Sankranti and concludes two days after it.

Raja Sankranti Key Facts