Pahili Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Pahili Raja is observed annually on June 14. It is the first day of Raja Parba, a three-day Indian festival celebrated in the state of Odisha. The holiday honours menstruation and femininity. It is believed that Mother Earth goes through her menstrual cycle over the course of three days and then takes a ceremonial bath on the fourth day.

The background of Pahili Day

The word ‘raja,’ which is pronounced raw-jaw, is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rajaswala,’ which means “in menstruation.” In the Hindu calendar, ‘Raja Sankranti’ or ‘Mithuna Sankranti’ is the first day of the Ashada month, and the day before Sankranti is Pahili Raja Day. The first three days of the Raja Parba festival are regarded as ‘Boomadevi’ or ‘Mother Earth’s’ menstruation. The second day marks the commencement of the solar month of’mithuna,’ which signifies the approach of rain, while the fourth day of the festival is known as ‘Basumati Snana’ or the “purification bath of the Earth,” when Mother Earth purifies herself.

The festival is associated with fertility, menstruation, and womanhood, which should be celebrated rather than ostracised. Consequently, during the festival, women in the Indian state of Odisha are excused from all housework and cultivation. They dress up, paint their feet, and play indoor and outdoor activities during their free time. Young women are also observed chanting while swinging on rope swings.

Pahili Raja was once a tribal custom that has since spread throughout all of Odisha. The manner in which the festival is observed has changed and will continue to change, but the festival’s premise remains the celebration of womanhood and reverence for women worldwide.

PAHILI DAY ACTIVITIES

Utilise the Raja Doli

Create a ‘Raja Doli’ swing from cloth segments and attach it to a nearby tree. Swing from the fabric swing and appreciate the approaching monsoon.

Purchase new attire and apply alta

Pahili Raja is an ode to women and femininity. Purchase new attire and apply ‘alta’ or’red dye’ to the hands and feet.

Enjoy a respite and the day.

The holiday is a day off from domestic responsibilities for women. Spend the day outdoors playing games and socialising with friends.

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5 IMPORTANT RAJA PARBA FESTIVAL FACTS

The festival honours women by associating the fecundity of the land with a woman’s fertility.

To assist Mother Earth relax, people refrain from agricultural activities during the festival.

Women are not permitted to conduct housework.

Young girls and unmarried women chant traditional folk songs, and a form of theatre known as Jatra is performed.

Women are prohibited from walking barefoot on the floor or in the dirt.

PAHILI DAY DATES