Yesterday was the beginning of Raja (pronounced as Raw- jaw) festival, commonly called as "Pahili Raja" which means day 1.
It is a unique festival of Odisha. It is celebrated for 3 days continuously, as Pahiliraja, Raja Sankranti and Bhuin daana.
Young girls wear new clothes and put Alaktaka in their feet on the occasion.  Swings (  dolies or dolas )  are put into action for these three days.
There are various types of dolies, such as Chakra doli,Baunsa doli,jhula doli,Agi doli etc.

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It is believed that Prithivi or the Earth gets her menstrual cycle in these three days  once in a year and it has to be celebrated by ladies.
The Raja Mauja ( Raja festival ) is incomplete without special songs. 
The poda-peetha or the baked cake is unique food for these three days which is relished by one and all along with special Raja Pana (Beetle).
Various games are also played.

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