OTDC Celebrates Raja Festival Across Odisha

OTDC Celebrates Raja Festival Across Odisha

Mehndi and Alta Artists are Providing Free Services to Women and Girls Visiting the Festival

CNB WORLD TIMES

Bhubaneswar, 14^th June: The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has organized grand celebrations of Raja Mahotsav across its hospitality units to promote Odia culture and traditions. The festival, which celebrates womanhood and the arrival of the monsoon season, features traditional food, cultural performances, swings, and festive decorations.

As part of the celebrations, OTDC has deployed special "Pitha on Wheels" vans at major locations in Bhubaneswar, including Master Canteen, KIIT Square, and ITER. These food vans offer popular Raja delicacies such as Poda Pitha, Manda Pitha, Kakara, Arisha Pitha, and Chhenapoda.

Special Raja Pitha counters have also been opened at OTDC Panthanivas units, Nimantran restaurants, Silver City Boat Club in Cuttack, and ISBT Café in Bhubaneswar. These counters will remain open until June 16.

The three-day Raja Mahotsav was inaugurated at Pantha Nivas, Bhubaneswar, by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh. Traditional Raja swings (Raja Doli) have been installed at OTDC premises, while Mehndi and Alta artists are providing free services to women and girls visiting the festival.

Significance of Raja Festival

Raja is one of Odisha's most popular festivals and is primarily celebrated over three days. The first day is known as Pahili Raja, marking the last day of the month of Jyeshtha. The second day, Raja Sankranti, marks the beginning of the month of Ashadha and the arrival of the monsoon season. The final day is called Sesa Raja or Bhuin Dahana. In some regions, the festival extends to a fourth day known as Basumata Puja or Basumata Gadhua, dedicated to Mother Earth.

OTDC Panthanivas Network

OTDC currently operates 20 Panthanivas properties across Odisha. These government-run accommodations are located at major tourist destinations and cities, including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Gopalpur-on-Sea, Rambha, Barkul, Chandipur, Konark, Chandaneswar, Chandbali, Kendujhar, Balasore, Berhampur, Dhauli, Panchalingeshwar, Paradip, Satpada, and Taptapani.

Chandbali Aranya Nivas: Gateway to Bhitarkanika

The Chandbali Panthanivas, officially known as Aranya Nivas, holds special importance for OTDC as it serves as the primary gateway and base camp for tourists visiting the internationally renowned Bhitarkanika National Park.

Located near the confluence of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers, Aranya Nivas provides convenient access to the mangrove ecosystem and the famous estuarine crocodiles of Bhitarkanika. The facility offers accommodation, dining, and boating services, making it an important tourism and revenue-generating centre for OTDC.

During this year's Raja Festival, visitors enjoyed traditional delicacies such as Poda Pitha and Arisha Pitha and spent time on the specially arranged Raja swings. Mrs. Abhipsha Bal, who visited Chandbali Aranya Nivas with her family, expressed satisfaction with the traditional Raja dishes and the festive atmosphere.

However, some visitors felt that the celebrations at Chandbali were less attractive compared to previous years. Family members accompanying Mrs. Bal observed that Raja arrangements in Kandhamal appeared more elaborate. Visitor turnout at Chandbali was also reported to be lower than in the previous two years.

Need for Greater Promotion

Visitors suggested that OTDC should strengthen publicity and advertising efforts to attract more local and outstation tourists to Chandbali Aranya Nivas during Raja Festival. Better promotion would help more people enjoy the hygienically prepared traditional Raja dishes available at the property. Due to limited awareness, many local residents remain unaware of these facilities and often depend on roadside food stalls during the festive season.

With its strategic location and tourism potential, Chandbali Aranya Nivas continues to play a vital role in promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism in Odisha.