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As the Sun transitioned into Mesha Rashi (Aries) this morning, Odisha rose with devotion, vibrant rituals, and community warmth to celebrate Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, marking the start of the Odia New Year.
The day also coincided with Hanuman Jayanti, adding spiritual fervour to an already sacred occasion. Amid the festivities, national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi and BJP National Vice President Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, among others, extended their greetings to the people of Odisha and Odia people across the globe.
Leaders Share Greetings on Odia New Year, Pana Sankranti
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend greetings, stating, “Best wishes on Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. May the coming year mark the fulfilment of all your dreams. May there be happiness, harmony, and prosperity all over.”
Similarly, President Droupadi Murmu, addressing Odias both in India and abroad, said, “On the occasion of the holy Odia New Year, Pana Sankranti or Maha Bishuba Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Odisha. Pana Sankranti brings a message of love and peace to our society. This joyful festival also inspires us to work dedicatedly for our country. I wish everyone happiness and prosperity.”
Adding his voice, BJP VP and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda tweeted, “Heartiest greetings on the occasion of Pana Sankranti, Odia New Year, and Hanuman Jayanti. May this year bring peace and prosperity for everyone by the grace of Lord Jagannath.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also wished Odias and urged everyone to work with determination to build a prosperous and culturally proud Odisha.
Pana Sankranti: A Festival of Sun, Seasons, and Spirituality
Maha Bishuba Sankranti is rooted in both celestial transition and agrarian tradition. It marks the solar New Year for Odisha, with the Sun entering Aries as per the traditional Panjika (Hindu almanac). This change signals the start of summer and the agricultural season and is believed to bring new beginnings and renewed vitality.
Central to the celebrations is ‘pana’, a sweet, cooling drink made from ingredients like wood apple (bela), jaggery, yogurt, and fruits. Symbolising relief from the heat and a prayer for a good harvest, it is offered to deities and shared with neighbours, spreading goodwill and spiritual energy.
In many homes, a clay pot known as Basundhara Theki is placed on the Tulsi Chaura (sacred basil altar), slowly dripping water as a symbol of life and sustenance during the hot months ahead.
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Hanuman Jayanti Adds Another Layer of Devotion:
Simultaneously, Hanuman Jayanti, marking the birth of Lord Hanuman, was celebrated with deep devotion across the state.
In Puri, the Jagannath Temple witnessed grand rituals, including the ceremonial offering of Agyanmala (garland of divine command) to Lord Hanuman after Sakala Dhupa Niti (morning offerings). Devotees carried the deity in a palanquin to the Jagannath Ballabh Math, where special offerings and prayers were performed.
Across Odisha, 'akhadas' (traditional martial art monasteries) came alive with chants of Hanuman Chalisa, recitations, and offerings of pana and chhatua (roasted gram mix) as 'bhog'.
ALSO READ: Pana Sankranti: Celebrating Odia New Year with tradition and modernity in Odisha
Celebrations Across the State and Beyond
From the early morning hours, temples saw long queues of devotees. In Puri, the Srimandir was at the heart of the celebration as the new Panjika, now in effect, was ceremonially dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Traditionally offered at Dola Purnima, this almanac now guides rituals for the coming year.
Odias worldwide, through prayers, rituals, and digital messages, celebrated the dawn of a new year rooted in faith, nature, and tradition. The dual observance of Pana Sankranti and Hanuman Jayanti served not only as a spiritual recharge but also as a reminder of Odisha’s rich cultural identity.
