Prabasi Odia Raja Mahotsav at Gurgaon

The Kalinga Bharti Foundation (KBF) has been passionately celebrating the Raja Mahotsav festival for six years, fostering cultural unity and keeping Odia traditions alive far from Odisha. This festival has become a significant event for the Odia diaspora, uniting people through shared cultural heritage and joyous celebration.

The Origins of Raja Mahotsav

Raja Mahotsav, also known as Raja Parba, is a unique festival celebrated primarily in Odisha. It marks the onset of the monsoon season and honors womanhood and the earth's fertility. This vibrant festival spans three days, during which women take a break from household chores, enjoy swings (Raja Doli), wear new clothes, and indulge in traditional delicacies.

KBF's Raja Mahotsav Journey

First and Second Raja Mahotsav at Gurgaon

KBF's inaugural Raja Mahotsav was a groundbreaking event that set the stage for future celebrations. The first and second festivals were marked by enthusiastic participation and a growing sense of community among the Odia diaspora. These events featured traditional dances, music, and food, creating a mini Odisha atmosphere.

Highlights of the 1st Raja Mahotsav

Highlights of the 2nd Raja Mahotsav

4th Raja Mahotsav: A Grand Return

After the pandemic-induced hiatus, the 4th Raja Mahotsav marked a triumphant return. Organized by a dedicated team, this festival saw participation from over 5000 people, including many non-Odia communities. The event featured a variety of cultural performances, competitions, and traditional Odia cuisine, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

Highlights of the 4th Raja Mahotsav

5th Raja Mahotsav: A Cultural Extravaganza

The 5th Raja Mahotsav, held in Gurugram on June 12th at Jewel Garden, was an even grander celebration. More than 5000 people attended, turning the event into a mini Odisha. The festival featured mouth-watering Odia cuisine, competitions among women and children, traditional dances like Sambalpuri and Odissi, Odia music, Raja Jhula (swings), and Raja Paana (betel leaves).

Highlights of the 5th Raja Mahotsav

Mouth-Watering Odia Cuisine

Food is an integral part of any festival, and Raja Mahotsav is no different. The 5th Raja Mahotsav featured a variety of traditional Odia dishes that delighted attendees. From pithas (rice cakes) to a variety of sweets and savory snacks, the culinary offerings were a hit among participants, providing a taste of Odisha in Gurugram.

Cultural Performances

The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odisha through traditional dance and music performances. The Sambalpuri dance, known for its vibrant energy and intricate footwork, and the classical Odissi dance, known for its grace and expressive movements, were the highlights of the event. These performances were not just entertaining but also educational, introducing the audience to the diverse cultural traditions of Odisha.

Competitions and Games

Competitions among women and children added a fun and engaging element to the festival. These included traditional games and activities that are typically part of Raja celebrations in Odisha. The competitions fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, making the festival even more enjoyable.

Raja Jhula and Raja Paana

No Raja Mahotsav is complete without the traditional swings (Raja Jhula) and betel leaves (Raja Paana). Swings were set up for women and children, who took turns enjoying this traditional activity while singing folk songs. Raja Paana, a customary offering of betel leaves and nuts, was distributed, adding to the authenticity of the celebration.

The Role of Our Founder Akshay Kumar Samal

The success of KBF's Raja Mahotsav festivals is largely due to the visionary leadership of Mr. Akshay Kumar Samal, the President and Founder of Kalinga Bharti Foundation. His dedication to promoting Odia culture and unity among the diaspora has been instrumental in organizing these events. Mr. Samal's commitment to cultural preservation and community building is truly commendable.

Dedicated Team and Volunteers

The success of the Raja Mahotsav festivals would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the KBF team and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to core members like Tanushree Mohapatra, Rekha Muni, Jayshree Dash, Sudhansu Padhy, Sanjay Kumar Dass, Sanjaya Kumar Behera, Srimant Biswal, Santosh Rout, Bijoy Mishra, Babita Nanda, Nirupama Pal, Jajati Pal, Niranjan Tripathy, Sangram Panigrahy, and Salil Bhai. Their tireless efforts and unwavering support have been crucial in organizing and executing these grand events.

Support from the Ministry of Culture

We are immensely grateful to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for their support. Their backing has been instrumental in making our cultural events successful and impactful. The Ministry’s support underscores the importance of cultural preservation and promotion, aligning perfectly with KBF's mission.