President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday led Odisha in conveying warm wishes to its citizens on the arrival of ‘Raja’, a traditional agrarian festival dedicated to celebrating womanhood.
Joining the President, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended their greetings, emphasising that a deep-rooted commitment to ecological conservation lies at the heart of this celebration.
As part of the festive traditions, all farming and agricultural activities are completely paused for three days, reflecting the traditional belief that Mother Earth undergoes a period of rest and rejuvenation during this time.
In post from her social media handle, President Murmu said, “On the occasion of this mass festival ‘Raja’, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country, especially the people of Odisha. This festival of the monsoon season is celebrated to honour the earth, the mother, and the clouds.”
The President, who is a native of Odisha, went on to emphasise that the festival serves as a poignant reminder for humanity to maintain a balanced and harmonious relationship with the environment.
“I hope that this special essence of the Raja festival will inspire us to dedicate ourselves to nation-building. On this Raja occasion, I wish for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the people of the state as well as the country,” the President said.
While offering his greetings to the people of Odisha, Governor Kambhampati stated, “The agrarian harvest festival is the great festival of Odisha’s culture, nature, progress, and tradition. The message of environmental protection is embedded in it. Along with highlighting the majesty of Mother Earth, this festival strengthens brotherhood, friendship, and goodwill.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called the celebration as a beautiful confluence of Odia culture, land, and maternal power, stating, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you.”
“The culture that acknowledges the necessity of rest for future creation — its successors, grounded in this humane and scientific philosophy — have also accorded the highest priority to the dignity,” he said.
“In our governance system, importance is given to maternal energy. As a reflection of that thought process, a provision is made for additional leave (period leave for women employees) specifically for working sisters,” CM Majhi said.
“May our journey of development become even more dynamic… Let us, once again, seek the blessings of Mother Bhumidevi and reaffirm our firm resolve to build a prosperous, proud, empowered, and developed Odisha,” the chief minister said in a post from his X handle.
Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and BJD president, also conveyed his warm wishes and congratulations to everyone celebrating the occasion.
“This unique culture and tradition are a symbol of our respect for nature. May this occasion of joy and celebration fill everyone’s life with happiness and prosperity,” he said.
