.svg)
Get ready to celebrate the colorful and vibrant festival of Raja Sankranti on June 14! This festival is celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha, and marks the onset of monsoon season and the beginning of agricultural activities. It is a time for people to rejoice and pray for good harvest and prosperity. The name "Raja" comes from the word "Rajaswala", which means menstruating women, as they are considered symbols of fertility and life-giving forces. During this festival, women take a break from their daily household chores and indulge in various festive activities like swinging on decorated swings, applying mehendi (henna) on their hands, and enjoying traditional delicacies. Let's join in on the festivities and celebrate this joyous occasion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Raja Sankranti</div><div class='timeline-text'>The origins of the festival Raja Sankranti trace back to the 1800s, in the Indian state of Odisha. The festival was originally linked to agricultural activities and the onset of monsoon season.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition Far and Wide</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the mid-20th century, the celebration had gained recognition throughout India as a prominent festival which upheld the cultural traditions of Odisha.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Sponsorship</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1975, the Indian Government began to officially sponsor the celebration of Raja Sankranti as part of promoting and preserving Indian cultural heritage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Presence</div><div class='timeline-text'>At the turn of the 21st century, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian communities worldwide started celebrating Raja Sankranti, spreading the festival's traditions globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Enhanced Festive Activities</div><div class='timeline-text'>Traditional festive activities such as swinging on decorated swings, applying mehendi, and cooking traditional delicacies became a highlight of the celebration, with modern additions being incorporated into the practices.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create traditional rangoli designs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Rangoli is a popular art form in India that involves creating intricate designs on the floor using colored rice, flour, or sand. Gather your friends and family to create beautiful rangolis to celebrate Raja Sankranti.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a kite flying festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Kite flying is a popular activity during Raja Sankranti. Attend a local kite flying festival and join in on the fun by flying your own colorful kite in the sky.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare traditional sweets</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Raja Sankranti is also known for its delicious traditional sweets like pitha, chakuli, and arisa. Learn how to make these treats and share them with your loved ones as you celebrate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a cultural dance performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends and choreograph a traditional dance performance to showcase during your Raja Sankranti celebration. This is a great way to honor and share the rich culture and traditions of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Raja Sankranti as an opportunity to give back to your community by organizing a service project. This could include cleaning up a local park or volunteering at a food bank.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honoring the Sun God</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raja Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the Sun God, who is believed to have healing and purifying powers. By celebrating this festival, devotees show their gratitude and seek blessings for good health and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognizing the Agricultural Importance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raja Sankranti marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle in many parts of India. It is an important time for farmers as they prepare the land for sowing crops. This festival serves as a reminder of the crucial role agriculture plays in our lives and allows us to appreciate and honor farmers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating Traditional Feminine Power</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raja Sankranti also highlights the importance of traditional feminine power. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati (a goddess associated with fertility) observed fasts on this day to pray for her sons. Therefore, the festival is seen as a celebration of womanhood and maternal love.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival Spans for Three Days</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raja Sankranti is not a one-day festival but a grand celebration that lasts for three days, each having its own significance and rituals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Swings are Decorated with Flowers</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the festival, swings are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Women, both young and old, enjoy swinging as part of the celebration rituals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raja Paan is an Integral Part of the Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raja Paan, a betel leaf preparation with areca nut and other ingredients, is specially prepared and consumed during this festival. It signifies love, respect, and offering to the beloved.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Games are Played During Raja Sankranti</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several traditional games, like Kabaddi and cards, are organized during the festival bringing joy and fostering a sense of community among the participants.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival Symbolizes the Onset of Rainy Season</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raja Sankranti marks the onset of the rainy season. It is believed that the Earth menstruates for those three days and prepares itself for the agricultural activities in the coming monsoon.</p></div></div>
Raja Sankranti is celebrated on June 14th every year. In 2024, Raja Sankranti will occur on a Friday.
2023
Jun 14
Wednesday
2024
Jun 14
Friday
2025
Jun 14
Saturday
2026
Jun 14
Sunday
2027
Jun 14
Monday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
