Odia New Year at Puri Srimandir: Long queues of devotees to mark Pana Sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti

Odisha remains decked up as the Odia New Year began on a deeply spiritual note today, celebrating the twin festivals of Maha Bishuba Sankranti (locally known as Pana Sankranti) and Hanuman Jayanti.

To mark the occasion, the new Odia Panjika (almanac), which will guide temple rituals for the upcoming year, was introduced at the Puri Jagannath Temple. As per tradition, this almanac had earlier been dedicated at the feet of Dola Govinda during Dola Purnima. However, today, it officially comes into effect inside the revered Srimandir.

Revered rituals in Puri for Hanuman Jayanti:

In honour of Hanuman Jayanti, a special set of rituals was also performed at the 12th-century temple. After the completion of Lord Jagannath's Sakal Dhupa Niti (morning offerings), Lord Hanuman was ceremoniously brought from the southern part of the temple complex to the Ratna Simhasan (bejeweled throne) to receive the Agyanmala (garland of divine command). 

Following this, the deity was taken in a Bimana (palanquin) to the Jagannatha Vallabha Matha for Alati Bandapana, which is a traditional offering of light and prayers.

At the Akhadas (traditional martial arts monasteries) across Srikshetra, Lord Hanuman’s birth is celebrated with festive fervour. Devotees offer Pana (a cooling drink made of wood apple and jaggery) and Chhatua (a roasted gram-based flour mix) as part of the sacred bhog after completing the worship rituals.

ALSO READ: Pana Sankranti: Celebrating Odia New Year with tradition and modernity in Odisha

Pana Sankranti: A Summer Festival Rooted in Traditions

Pana Sankranti is celebrated as the astronomical start of the Odia solar calendar, marking the Sun's entry into Mesha Rashi (Aries). This transition is not just celestial but carries immense cultural significance as it signals the start of the Odia New Year and also aligns with Odisha’s agricultural rhythms.

State-Wide Celebrations, Overflowing Devotion

Across Odisha, homes and temples buzzed with activity from the early morning. Devotees thronged temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Hanuman, chanting hymns and offering sweets and fruits.

In Puri, Srimandir witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims keen to witness the overlapping rituals of two major festivals.

ALSO READ: Odisha CM unveils Odia New Year Calendar at Puri Srimandir

As the new year dawned, Odias across the world prayed for prosperity, health, and peace, even as the day remains ahead for celebratory visits and spending spiritual and joyful times at temples and with families.