Bhubaneswar: The vibrant and culturally rich festival of Raja, which celebrates womanhood in Odisha, was inaugurated today at the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) headquarters in Bhubaneswar. The event was graced by the presence of MP Bhubaneswar Aparajita Sarangi and MLA Ekamra Babu Singh, who officially opened the Raja Mahotsav.
The three-day festival, known for its emphasis on traditional Odia delicacies and festive activities, includes swings, alata (red dye applied to feet), and mehndi (henna) for girls and young women. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the sale of Raja delicacies and sweets across all OTDC hospitality units. Traditional swings have been installed, and mehndi artists have been invited to Panthanivas Bhubaneswar to decorate the hands of visiting women free of cost.
To enhance the celebrations, OTDC has introduced three “Pitha on Wheels” vans that will offer Raja delicacies at various locations in Bhubaneswar. These vans will be stationed at Master Canteen, KIIT Square, and ITER-Khandagiri from 8 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 7 pm. The initiative aims to provide easy access to traditional Raja Pithas and other festive foods. Additionally, a Pitha on Wheels van is stationed in Sambalpur.
Raja Pitha counters will also be set up at Silvercity Boatclub in Cuttack, ISBT Café, and Nimantran Restaurant in Bhubaneswar, available to the public from June 14 to June 16, 2024. Another counter will operate at the Kalinga Convention Hall of Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar, from June 13 to June 16, 2024, offering a variety of Raja delicacies for takeaway.