Jharsuguda : Raja Festival is the most awaited festival for the girls in Odisha. Raja celebrates menstruation, an otherwise taboo subject and thus dedicates the three-day fest to women and womanhood.
Being a celebration of womanhood, girls pamper themselves in various ways like putting Mehendi, decorating feet by Alta, wearing colourful bangles and new clothes.
However, due to ongoing Corona Pandemic has dampen the mood of celebration .
In Jharsuguda, Mission Ashra, where more than hundred of women Inmates are residing observed Raja Celebration at their premises with make shift Raja Doli made inside the premises.
“Like every year we are observing Raja Festival this year also but in a very small way . As the inmates residing at our centre who are disabled and also mentally challenged women, each year they expect and wait for the festival but due Corona Pandemic this year, we have toned down the celebration. We have also followed all Social distancing norms. Subsequently, we have arranged new dresses and various delicacy like Pouda pitha, Raja Paan for the inmates. ” said Sanjay Jethy, Peoples Forum
“From the Jharsuguda District Administration side, we have emphasised that this festival is being observed under the guidelines of all Social Distancing norms. Even the inmates have been properly given hand sanitizers and even all the inmates have worn the mask along with several delicacy for the inmates. This project has been funded under Jharsuguda District Mineral Fund.” Said Pratibha Behera, DSSO, Jharsuguda
“This year no guest has been invited due to Corona Pandemic. We have been following the Social distancing norms and we are also sanitizing the inmate’s hand regularly. ” Volunteer, Peoples Forum
