Raja Parba is Odisha’s unique festival that celebrates menstruation — where the colour red is everywhere: on feet as alta, on the forehead as bindi, on lips, flowers, paan. Red becomes a part of beauty, of elegance, of a woman’s identity. But when that same red appears as menstrual blood, why is it treated as something shameful? Zee Sarthak’s Naali Bindu 2025 explores this contradiction through a graceful Patachitra-style film, blending narration and song. Women are seen celebrating Raja, adorned in red — vibrant, joyful, complete. The film asks: if red worn on the body is celebrated, why is red from the body hidden? This year’s campaign is a reflection — on culture, colour, and conditioning. It reminds us that menstruation is not impure. It belongs to the same palette of grace and womanhood that we celebrate every Raja. Because red has always been a part of her shringar. Menstrual red should be no different.
Raja Parba is a festival in Odisha that celebrates menstruation, yet in some parts of India, girls experiencing their first periods are isolated, with even their shadows considered impure. Using Rabana Chhaya, traditional shadow puppetry from Odisha, Zee Sarthak tells the heartfelt story of a girl subjected to this taboo and orthodox thinking. This powerful film, part of Zee Sarthak's Naali Bindu initiative, aims to raise awareness and challenge menstrual discrimination.
Raja Parba is a festival that sets Odisha apart. Ironically, this unique festival that pays tribute to the menstruation cycle of woman, discriminates against them. The Swing is a traditional symbol of the Raja festivities. Using this cultural symbol, Zee Sarthak touches upon how the very vehicle that is to carry girls ends up swaying empty, just because menstruating girls aren’t allowed to get on them. A stark message told with a punch, this film is another initiative by Zee Sarthak under Naali Bindu to spread awareness about discrimination based on menstruation, thus bringing about a change.
Zee Sarthak celebrates womanhood during the auspicious festivities of Rawjaw Parba. Naali Bindu is an awareness campaign lead by Zee Sarthak to educate women on Menstrual Hygiene and intends to imbibe the best habits among its viewers. Naali Bindu signifies the Red Bindi which is a symbol of beauty for every Indian Women. Through our campaign, we intend to reach out to the majority of Indian women who seeks answers related to Menstrual Hygiene. We are inviting women across all social segments to be a part of the campaign and lend support to the community of women who are bound by the shackles of social taboo.
