Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti, marks the beginning of the Odia New Year and is celebrated with great devotion and traditional fervor across Odisha. This festival is observed with the release of the new Panjika, a Hindu almanac that outlines important religious dates, timings, and astrological predictions for the year.
Key Rituals and Traditions
- Pana Preparation: A traditional sweet and tangy drink made from bael (wood apple), jaggery or sugar, and fruits is prepared and shared among family and friends.
- Lord Hanuman Worship: Pana Sankranti is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, with devotees performing special pujas and offering prayers to the deity.
- Wrestling Demonstrations: In Puri, traditional wrestlers demonstrate their skills after offering prayers to Lord Hanuman.
- Basundhara Theki: An earthen pot filled with water is placed above a Tulsi plant, with a tiny hole at the base allowing water to drip slowly onto the plant, symbolizing prosperity and considered highly auspicious.
Cultural Significance
- New Year Celebrations: Pana Sankranti marks the beginning of the Odia New Year, with temples across the state witnessing heavy footfall and devotees taking holy dips in rivers and sacred pilgrimage spots.
- Seasonal Change: The festival also marks the transition of the seasons, with the pana drink helping to beat the summer heat.
- Cultural Identity: Pana Sankranti is a blend of tradition, devotion, and seasonal change, deeply rooted in Odisha's cultural identity.