We are social creatures and on connecting with each other we become happier. Celebrations are the melting pot where people socializes and feel connected with other fellow beings. Celebrations have always been an integral part of the rehabilitation process in Mission Ashra. Celebration at mission Ashra is an opportunity to make the place feel warm and comfortable for the inmates. Some of the festivals and national holidays celebrated at Mission Ashra are:
1. Independence day and Republic day celebration
2. Local festivals – Raja, Kumar Purnima etc.
3. Festivals of national importance – Diwali, Holi etc.
4. Mission Ashra foundation day – Every year the organisation celebrates 18th July as its foundation day.
5. Observation of World Schizophrenia day – 24th May 2015 is observed as World Schizophrenia day.
Celebrations & Engaging Activities
Celebrations & Engaging Activities
Raja celebration at Mission Ashra
Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti is a three-day-long festival. The term Raja came from Rajaswala (meaning a menstruating woman), as it is believed that the mother Earth or the divine wife of Lord Vishnu undergoes menstruation during the first three days. This festival became popular in medieval times when it was celebrated as an agricultural holiday marking the worship of Bhudevi, who is the wife of lord Jagannath. The second day signifies the beginning of solar month of Mithuna which marks the arrival of the rainy season.
Raja is celebrated in Mission Ashra to engage women in every aspect of the festival. Raja is celebrated at Mission Ashra in cooperation with other staff of Sakhi, Aama ghara and Ujjwala. Since this is a women’s festival and many women of Mission Ashra are from Orissa itself, the festival is celebrated with high level of vigour and enthusiasm. On this day the residents of the shelter home take part in various cultural programs. Prizes are distributed among the participants as a gesture of recognition and gratitude towards them.
Republic day celebration at Ashra
Republic day honors the date on which the constitution of India came into effect. This day is observed at Mission Ashra in the presence of residents, staffs of People’s Forum and all others who are associated with the organization. The event is graced by flag hoisting followed by republic day speech by one of the senior management from the organisation.
The event entails various cultural activities by engaging residents of Ashra. The event also acts as a platform where the residents interact with other members from the organisation.
Colours of Holi
Holi, also known as the “festival of colors” signifies the victory of good over evil. Likewise, Mission Ashra visualise a society where humans raise their conscience and stop stigmatizing people with mental issues. The organisation envisions a society which has overcome the evil of shunning and neglecting the broad subject of mental health. Holi provides a space to keep all troubles aside for a day and come together as a family in our efforts to win over evil. Holi celebration at Mission Ashra helps the inmates to experience joy and warmth of this festival.
