Bhubaneswar, President Draupadi Murmu and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday greeted the people of Odisha on the occasion of Raja, an agricultural festival celebrated mostly in the coastal region of the state.

The President said that the people of Odisha celebrate the festival by showing their respect for the soil and clouds.

Murmu said, "On the occasion of this agricultural festival, I wish happiness, peace and prosperity for the people of the state and the country."

"May this unique festival of culture and tradition of Odisha bring joy and happiness in everyone's life," the Chief Minister said.

Raj Utsav is being celebrated in the state for three days from Friday. The first day of the festival is called 'Pahili Raja' which is also considered to be the last day of Jeshtha (summer) month. The second day of the Raja festival marks the beginning of the solar month of "Mithun", which marks the arrival of monsoon. Third is land burning or 'Sesa'

During this period, it is believed that Mother Earth menstruates and prepares herself for future agricultural activities with the arrival of monsoon.

Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has made special arrangements to provide 'Peetha' (types of sweets) during the festival.