Odisha is vibrant and full of life today as people across the state celebrate the Odia New Year, which is marked by the twin festivals of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, popularly known as Pana Sankranti, and Hanuman Jayanti. The day holds deep religious and cultural importance, blending age-old traditions with spiritual devotion.
Puri Srimandir Introduces the New Odia Panjika (Almanac)
The day began on a spiritual note at Puri’s Jagannath Temple, where the new Odia Panjika, or traditional almanac, was formally introduced. This sacred calendar dictates rituals, temple activities, and religious observances for the entire year.
While the Panjika is symbolically dedicated at the feet of Dola Govinda during Dola Purnima, it officially comes into use on Pana Sankranti, signifying the start of the Odia solar year. This tradition keeps Odisha’s centuries-old temple customs in sync with cosmic movements.
Hanuman Jayanti Celebrated with Special Rituals in Puri
Alongside the New Year celebrations, devotees also honoured the birth of Lord Hanuman—the powerful monkey god and ardent devotee of Lord Ram.
At the Jagannath Temple, special rituals were held:
- After the Sakal Dhupa Niti (Lord Jagannath’s morning food offering), a special Agyanmala (divine garland of command) was offered to Lord Hanuman.
- The deity was ceremonially taken from the southern part of the temple to the Ratna Simhasan (bejeweled throne).
- Hanuman was then carried in a decorated Bimana (palanquin) to the Jagannatha Vallabha Matha for Alati Bandapana, a ceremonial worship involving light, devotion, and chanting.
Meanwhile, Akhadas (traditional martial arts centers) in and around Srikshetra (Puri) celebrated the day with grandeur. As per tradition, offerings of Pana (a cooling drink made with bael fruit and jaggery) and Chhatua (roasted gram flour mixed with banana, milk, or water) were made as bhog (sacred food).
What is Pana Sankranti?
Pana Sankranti marks the beginning of the Odia solar calendar, occurring when the Sun enters Mesha Rashi (Aries). This celestial transition is more than just astronomical—it signals the start of the Odia New Year and holds great spiritual and seasonal importance.
Celebrated in mid-April, Pana Sankranti comes during the early summer and is rooted in Odisha’s agrarian traditions. It is a festival of renewal and gratitude and a time to pray for a prosperous harvest and well-being.
Celebrations Across Odisha: Temples, Homes, and Hearts
From the crack of dawn, the entire state was immersed in festivity. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, thronged temples—especially Hanuman shrines—chanting prayers and offering sweets, fruits, and cooling drinks.
In Puri, thousands of pilgrims gathered at Srimandir to witness the rare convergence of two spiritually powerful occasions. Devotion, joy, and cultural pride were felt at every corner.
The new year is also a time for family visits, spiritual reflection, and enjoying festive meals together. Across households, Pana is served as a symbol of refreshment and peace, especially vital during the scorching summer.
A Day of Blessings and New Beginnings
As Odisha steps into the new year, prayers for peace, health, prosperity, and harmony resonate not only within the state but also among Odia communities around the globe.
Today is a reminder of how tradition, spirituality, and community spirit continue to bind people together in celebration, no matter where they are.
Quick Facts:
| Festival | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Maha Bishuba Sankranti | The start of the Odia solar calendar, also called Pana Sankranti |
| Hanuman Jayanti | Birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman |
| Odia Panjika | Traditional almanac guiding rituals and festivals |
| Common Offerings | Pana (bael drink), Chhatua, fruits, flowers |
| Major Celebrations | Start of the Odia solar calendar, also called Pana Sankranti |
