Raja Paraba a three-day-long festival of celebrating womanhood is celebrated in Odisha, India. Raja is an abbreviation used for Rajaswala (meaning a menstruating woman) and is celebrated across Odisha and Odias worldwide. This festival signifies the menstrual cycle of the earth similar to that of a woman and earth is considered to be in a latent stage hence all farming activities are suspended during this period. World Trade Center Bhubaneswar thus facilitated a cultural extravaganza, exhibition and sessions highlighting the importance of the cultural belief, empowerment of women and simultaneously acted to send in a strong message in support of fighting the social stigma and taboos associated with menstruation. 

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar associated with Grand Bazaar as a Trade & Facilitation partner to organize Grand Raja Paraba 2022 at Grand Bazaar Podium, Phulnakhara from 13^th to 16^th June 2022. The initiative provided a platform for the people of the state to gather and rejoice in various rituals & practices associated with this festival. While giving due importance & trying to create an effective cultural as well as social impact, the four-day activity  involved entrepreneurs who put up their stalls with their unique range of products.People from different segments of the society like Transgender Groups, Special Children etc. were invited to visit and participate in this celebration.

The four-day program kicked off on 13^th June and marked the preview of the program. It started off with Bloggers Carnival-Sponsored by Batoi Hub where more than 100 bloggers and influencers visited the event to host the carnival with various activities, games and promotional campaigns being conducted. It was followed by Sambalpuri Folk Dance by Sahay Group, Self Defence Mock Drill by Utkal Karate School, Bhubaneswar in association with Child and Women Development Society (CWDS).

The inaugural session started off with a ramp walk by women entrepreneurs promoting the traditional handloom and handicraft by the members of WTC Bhubaneswar. The program was graced by esteemed dignitaries.

Smt. Sulata Deo, Hon'ble MP, Rajya Sabha in her address delivered on the cultural significance of the festival (Raja) as well as the role of such initiatives which helps to preserve the tradition of Odisha and make the current and upcoming generations aware of such a beautiful form of celebration.

Shri. Raghunandan Das, Hon'ble MLA, Erasama in his address spoke about the initiatives we all need to undertake to uplift women from the grassroot level and make them self-reliant and independent which is a crucial aspect of growth in any nation.

Smt. Latika Pradhan, Hon'ble MLA, Kabisurya Nagar in her address spoke about how the festival is a reminder to break the taboos and consider menstruation as a natural phenomenon. She also spoke about the SHGS being proactive these days to achieve success and bring a considerable change in the society.

Shri. Sangram Paikray, Former Chairman, Odisha Khadi & Village Industries Board in his address spoke about the rising demand of Odisha handloom and how it can be further facilitated and effective handholding support to be provided in order to support the weaves of the state.

Shri. Mahendra Gupta, MD, Gupta Power in his address highlighted the significance of such gatherings being a boost to the women entrepreneurs of the state who get a platform to showcase their products and achieve financial independence.

Dr. Rina Routray, Advisor, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum highlighted the objectives and activities of WTC Bhubaneswar which supports and facilitates the Women Entrepreneurs on a day-to-day basis while providing effective handholding assistance.

Dance performance by Ekagrata Dance Foundation and unplugged live by Gaurav Medatwal further added to the cultural extravaganza.

Second day of the program was a noteworthy with the exhibitors sharing their entrepreneurial journey. Cultural Performances by Jayashree Dhal Troupe which kept the crowd going with high spirits. The program was graced by esteemed dignitaries for a session on the theme "Women in Entrepreneurship".

Shri. P.K Gupta (IEDS), Joint Director & HOO, MSME-DI, Cuttack in his address spoke about various schemes and benefit Government Of India provides to support the Women Entrepreneurs.

Major. Dr. Kalpana Das, Chairperson, Child and Women Development Society (CWDS) deliberated on how CWDS as an organisation has always been involved in promoting/uplifting the divyangas. She further appreciated the initiative to provide a platform for all the sectors of the society to gather and celebrate such a unique festival.

Smt. Meera Parida, President, Sakha emphasized on bring transgenders into bringing to the mainstream with a view to uplift the LGBT Community to aid in social change.

The session was moderated by Mrs. Preethi Patnaik, Member, WTC Bhubaneswar and co-founder, The Book Turf.

Third day of the event witnessed exhilarating dance performance by Divyajyoti Sevashram and musical performance by Shri. Rudranarayan Mohanty & troupe followed by a power-packed session on the theme "Women Empowerment".

Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) expressed her own experience as a woman who have come all the way defying all odds to work for the development of Bhubaneswar. She also highlighted some of the initiatives BMC is undertaking to expedite the developmental procedures to achieve the goal of Green and Clean Bhubaneswar.

Shri. Subash Singh, Mayor, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) in his address spoke about how CMC has been working vigorously to develop the infrastructure and address the issues prevailing as of now in Cuttack.

Dr. Minati Behera, Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Women highlighted the significance of self-defence and how the safety of the women has to be prioritized and acted upon effectively.

Smt. Suchismita Mantry, Deputy Director, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Govt. of Odisha while appreciating the initiative to celebrate Raja Festival in such a grand way, urged the audience to preserve the state’s culture and traditions.

Smt. Shreemayee Mishra, Former Chairperson, OTDC in her address spoke about the nuances of the festivals while wishing everyone the best for their entrepreneurial journey and make the most out of the extravaganza.

Shri. Subash Gupta, MD, Rishta Foods also graced the occasion.

The event got concluded on the fourth day with various in-house activities which involved small girls showcasing their talent like dancing, singing etc. on the stage. Few cultural activities like folk dance and felicitation ceremony of SHGS, organizations with social cause etc. added to the successful valediction of the program.

The event also experienced display of record breaking traditional cuisines and a wide range of vivid products by the exhibitors which added to the shopping bonanza.