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Menstruation in India is still a hush-hush topic. Wonder why?
The question that haunts every woman. Why a biological process which is the foundation of creation has to be considered impure?
In this fast paced world, menstruating women is still considered to be impure . Last year, we witnessed the fracas that was created for giving permission for the entry of women in menstruating age to enter Sabrimala temple.
When the entire country shuns this biological phenomenon, Odisha stands out and celebrates it with full glory. Originally, it was a tribal celebration but over the decades it has spread to nook and corner of Odisha.
Every year around mid June the entire state celebrates it with pomp and show. This year the festival came to an end on 17th June, with ceremonial bath of Mother Earth.
Mythological belief behind the festival
The mythological story or belief behind this festival is the Mother Earth or the divine wife of Lord Vishnu undergoes menstruation during first three days.
As per the belief since Goddess Earth is menstruating, all agricultural activities are barred during these days. No ploughing, sowing or any other agricultural related work is carried out. Rajo is pronounced as Raw – Jaw or Rajawswala, meaning menstruating women.
Name and significance of each day
This is a festival of three long days, each day having a different name and significance.
The first day is called as Pahili rajo, the second is known as Mithuna Sankranti and third day is celebrated as Bhu daha or Basi Rajo. Forth day ends with the ceremonial bath of Mother Earth coining this day as “Vasumati Snana”.
Second day signifying Mithuna, the solar month, marking the onset of monsoon with it’s first shower.
Rituals and customs of the festival
Menstruation is the metaphor for fertility.
Women of the house is equally symbolised as the creator, nurturer and care giver as in like Mother Earth. As a mark of respect to womanhood and fertility, women are barred from carrying out any household activities.
It’s a phase of rejuvenation for Mother Earth and so for the women of the society.
Unmarried girls and women adore themselves with new clothes, wear alata ( red liquid worn at feet of ladies to mark the occasion as auspicious), eat homemade delicacies, swing and sing throughout the day. Swings are usually decorated with flowers. Women also while away their time by playing cards and chewing paan (tambul) . Competition are held to showcase various ways of folding paan by ladies.
Amongst the repertoire of Odia pancakes, Poda Pitha or Smoked Pitha stands out in this three long days festival.
The onset of this festival begins with Poda Pitha. An ancient traditional dish which is made during this period of the year or festival.
Basically, chilling out in a traditional fashion with age old delicacies passed on from generations.
Men contribute by decorating swings, gifting new clothes, bringing favourite eateries for the ladies of the house. They pamper the ladies of the house in best possible way, showing their respect to womanhood.
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Womb 2 Cradle 'n' Beyond 
Given the taboo around periods, celebrating them as a festival is a great way to break the barrier. 🙂
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This is something I had never heard of anywhere, since it comes from a state which is not been in d scenes too much, but such lovely, great open minded people survive there and celebrate such fantastic festivals, which is considered filthy in other parts of India
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