Bhubaneswar: Odia diaspora celebrated the 3-day Raja festival with pomp and gaiety at many countries including UAE, UK, USA, and Australia among others. A group of non-resident Odias living in Dubai celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. A rich array of traditional foods like Manda Pitha, Poda Pitha and Chakuli (among various other dishes) was lined up during the celebration. Dressed in traditional attire, women enjoyed the vibrant and joyous festival with great fervour. Various traditional games were played and folk songs known as ‘Raja Geeta’ were sung.
Anukta Patnaik, who hosted the festival, said the festival underscores the importance of women in society and acknowledges their vital role within the family and outside. “Raja showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Odisha, highlighting the celebration of nature, womanhood, and agriculture. We are lucky to be able to gather and celebrate it, in a land which is far off from Odisha,” she said. The gathering comprised prominent Odias of UAE from various sectors like shipping, banking and finance, consumer products, medicine, science and technology.
Odia Cultural Association London (OCAL) organised a host of activities where people gathered, had fun at the swing and enjoyed odia delicacies like pitha and pana. Odia community in USA also celebrated the festival. Manjarika Mishra, who lives in California said, while celebrating the festival, we try to re-live our childhood days. The swings brought us together, bridging the gap between our current lives and our roots in Odisha. “We clicked photographs, savoured traditional snacks, and relished the company of fellow Odias. In that moment, the swing became a symbol of our connection to our heritage and our community,” she said. “I’m thankful for the serendipitous experience of the swing, for the laughter and memories we created, and for the warmth of our Odia community here in the USA,” she added. Association of Odias in Australia (ORIOZ) also celebrated the festival in Victoria with great fervour.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP