Raja is observed in the month of Jyestha (June), after a brief shower and when the clouds begin to consolidate for the ensuing rains. For three days, the farmers brace up for hard labour in their fields.
The sun being less glaring, the earth readies itself for the sowing. This is a time for pleasure, meeting the near and dear ones. Those who work far from their homes try to come during this festival so that they can partake in the festive fervour. They bring gifts for everybody.
Girls have an advantage as they don new clothes, decorate their lovely foreheads with artistic motifs in sandalwood paste, put red lines of Alata on their feet and wear shoes so that they don't touch the soil at all. They don't help their mothers in any household work and they will not cut; grind any vegetables in those days. In fact no major cooking takes place during the three days.
Cakes are prepared in large quantities and with lavish care so that these cakes stay fresh for these three days without refrigerator. This special delicacy is called Poda Pitha, literally meaning ‘baked cake'. Rice powder, chopped coconut slivers, spices, and gur are mixed, fermented, and wrapped in banana leaves and put on hearth covered tightly and charcoal pieces are put on the lid. It works as a desi oven and yet it gives the cake a lovely aroma. This is kept like this to bake in a slow fire in the night. And in the morning the cake is ready! It is eaten just like that or with curry, especially meat curry. Raja Paan is another must for the occasion. Scented and whole pans stuffed with lots of spices are a favourite.
At many places a three-day long fair is held where from essential household items and fancy goods are sold. Operas are arranged, whole night discourses are held and entrainments galore. While men folk love to spend time in playing cards, young people indulge in song competitions among themselves. It is also the time when the martial arts are displayed through competitions.
The day before Raja festival is called Sajabaja when everyone gets ready for the festivities. Then it is Pahili Raja, Samkranti and Bhuin Nihana. The fourth day is called Basumati Gadhua. On this day invariably there is a shower and the earth welcomes the plough. In the household, the women worship the pestle with turmeric mingled with water. After that the farmer takes his bullocks to till his land.
In tribal areas, the people also worship three stones or wooden stumps as the Bhumi Devata. Raja is the time when the Mother Earth gets menstruating and when this ends she is ready to bear fruit. Such belief also takes place in several other places around the country. During this period the Assamese people observe the three days as sacred for Goddess Kamakshya for the same reason.
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