Rajo Celebrations at BBSR DC
This was the third edition of Rajo Celebrations at BBSR DC and with each edition we have taken it a notch higher than last time. Rajo festival holds a special significance for people in Orissa, it’s a 3 day affair where ladies are pampered and given special attention. They are treated like queens for those 3 days. This festival also marks the onset of monsoon in Orissa. Today is the third day of the festivities and as I am typing down the words, I can hear thunderstorms outside and the wind howling between the trees. What a relief it would be, if it actually rains!
Today I got stuck in a crazy traffic jam for 30 minutes. It really numbed my brain and soul. That’s what happens during Rajo! Ok, the word reminds me of an interesting debate that was happening in IWIN BB in office. Some ladies felt it should be written as Raja and not Rajo. While some others felt Rajo is correct. A lady came up with a very good idea, she wrote, it should be “Raw-jaw”! Now that’s intelligent! J This particular IWIN folder can be accessed by ladies of the DC only. Men strictly not allowed :P This is our very own bit of heaven on earth, where we can discuss anything under the sun, where guys don’t have the liberty to infringe our privacy. We can discuss women-related issues/themes, fun/leisure stuff etc. BBSR is the only DC amongst the 11 DCs in India to boast of this special platform given to women! J One more reason, why BBSR DC happens to be the DC that cares! Tomorrow truly rises with us!
Now coming back to the topic, Rajo. We had organized many events as a part of the week long initiative.
1. Rajo Swing.
2. Rajo Paan Kiosk
3. Rajo Mehendi Kiosk
4. Rajo Pitha Kiosk
5. Rajo Food festival
6. Ethnic Day
7. Rajo Story writing competition
8. “My Rajo Story” mailers by 3 senior women leaders of this DC.
Two swings were set up near the Food court area outside in the lawns. They were beautifully decorated with Marigold flowers. Folks enjoyed swinging on it, remembering their childhood moments.
Rajo Paan Kiosk was the innovation introduced this year. It got such a huge response, that just after lunch on the first day, it was sold out. Next day, the vendor turned up with approx. 3000 Paan leaves learning from the previous day’s experience. We all had such a gala time, chewing Paan that day!
Rajo Mehendi Kiosk was another innovation. Again it got overwhelming response. This time, egged by my friends, I decided to go for it. Got it done on one hand only, that also on the back-side, so that my work doesn’t get hampered J The color came out really well. J (My future mom-in-law will love me a lot :P ) That’s an old adage, if you mehendi color comes out well, u will be loved by your MIL :D
Rajo Pitha Kiosk also received tremendous response. Almost 1000 pithas got sold out in just an hour’s time on the first day! I avoided eating those, as its rich in ghee, sugar and what not. Sinful indeed.
Rajo Food Festival was a big hit too. We had arranged for typical Rajo meals like Chakuli and Mutton Curry etc etc. Couldn’t have lunch that day, was preoccupied with some other stuff L Had to manage with just a cappuccino.
We celebrated the final day by coming to office in our ethnic best. Ladies in beautiful sarees and guys in Kurtas! J And what a sight that was to behold! Frankly speaking, the way a saree enhances the beauty of an Indian woman, no other attire does. And yes, guys look best in Jeans with Kurta, and if the Kurta is from FabIndia, then I don’t think any girl on earth can resist the charm! :D
Hmmm…FabIndia…I am totally crazy about the stuff…be it kurtis, dupatta, sarees…stoles…bags….anything! The ambience of the shop, the helpful salespersons, the smell of handicrafts and dyes…is just so very intoxicating. Not getting time these days to venture out. Will surely visit it next month.
We had the Rajo story writing competition going on in the IWIN BB for the 3 days. Lovely childhood memories were jotted down, how folks celebrated Rajo when they were kids, it was really heart wrenching to read the stories. I could identify myself with many of them! Wish I could show you all the lovely stories, but its copyrighted, so cant. J Will try and coax them to start blogs of their own, since they are such terrific writers!
We identified some senior ladies of this DC, and requested them to share with us, their Rajo story which were then published to the 900 odd ladies! It was a big hit! J All 3 of them, very kind to share pictures of their families too!
Ok, let me end todays article, on this happy Raw-jaw note!
Cya next weekend…till then…rock on!
(Pssst : I dedicate this post to all those friends of mine, who look forward to reading my blog every Saturday…since I was suffering from writer’s block in the morning, couldn’t write, they waited and waited and finally asked me just now about it. Felt so very touched, and immediately, the writer’s block vanished and words just started pouring out of my mind. Love you all, thanks for motivated me!)
