Bhubaneswar: Maha Bishuba Sankranti also known as Pana Sankranti, which is also treated as Odia New Year is being celebrated with much fanfare across Odisha today.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have greeted the people on Odia New Year.
“On the occasion of Holy Pana Sankranti, I extend my heartiest wishes to the people of Odisha and the Odia brothers and sisters living abroad,” Shrimati Murmu wrote on X in Odia language.
On the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, which is celebrated as Odia New Year in the state, the President wished for prosperity for the Odia people.
Pana Sankranti or Maha Bishuba Sankranti is celebrated with joy in all corners of Odisha. Along with ‘Pana’ (a sweet drink), different cultural programmes are also being organized across Odisha on this day, she said.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said, “We take great pride in the wonderful Odia culture. I pray that the year ahead is full of happiness and success. May all your dreams be fulfilled as well and may everyone be healthy.”
Similarly, greeting the people of his state on this day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wished, “May the immense mercy of Lord Jagannath fill everyone’s life with happiness and prosperity.
Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP National President JP Nadda have also extended their greetings to the people on Odia New Year.
“As we welcome the new agricultural season, may we thank God for all the bounties of nature on which life thrives. On this auspicious occasion, I pray to Prabhu Hanuman Ji for the blessings of good health, prosperity and happiness for all,” Shah said in his message on X.
On this day, ‘Pana’ — a sweet drink prepared with fruits, sugar, ‘chenna’, cashew and spices — is distributed among the people.
People perform special pujas on this day, which is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti in the state. Devotees also take baths in rivers to mark the day.
In Puri, special rituals are performed in the Shree Jagannath temple. Traditional wrestlers come out of the Jaga Ghara, Akhadas (training homes) and gymnasiums to showcase their wrestling skills after worship of Lord Hanuman. New Panji (Odia calendar book) will begin from this day.