Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti, marks the traditional solar New Year in Odisha. Celebrated with immense fervor, it falls on the first day of the solar month of Mesha, signaling the transition into spring and the beginning of the Odia calendar.
The day is named after Pana, a refreshing festive drink made of wood apple (bela), yogurt, milk, and spices. Central to the celebration is the ritual of hanging a small earthen pot with a tiny hole over a Tulsi plant. Water or pana drips slowly onto the plant, symbolizing the arrival of the rainy season and the sustenance of life.
Key Traditions:
Spiritual Observance: Devotees visit temples like Jagannath Puri to seek blessings for a prosperous year.
Literary Honor: It is also the birthday of Hanuman and a day to honor the Odia Panjika (almanac).
Community Spirit: People share pana and traditional snacks, embodying a spirit of renewal and cultural pride.