Pana Sankranti and Odia New Year Celebrated Across the State
Pana Sankranti, also called Maha Bishuba Sankranti, marks the beginning of the Odia New Year and is celebrated with devotion and joy across Odisha. This important festival welcomes the new year according to the Odia calendar and holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the people of the state.
On this special day, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other well-known figures extended their greetings and best wishes to the people of Odisha. Their messages highlighted the importance of the occasion and wished for happiness, good health, and prosperity for all.
Greeting People on Pana Sankranti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweet, ” Best wishes for Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti and Odia New Year. May the new year bring abundance of happiness and good health. May all your wishes be fulfilled in the coming year.”
President Droupadi Murmu greeted the people and said, “On the occasion of the holy Odia New Year, Pana Sankranti or Mahavishub Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Odisha and to our Odia brothers and sisters living abroad. Pana Sankranti brings a message of love and peace to our society. This joyful festival also inspires us to work dedicatedly for our country. On this occasion, I wish everyone happiness and prosperity”
On this occasion Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Heartiest wishes to my sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti. At the advent of the Odia New Year, may Mahaprabhu shower blessings of joy, well-being and affluence on all.”
Chief Minsiter Mohan Charan Majhi too greeted the people of Odisha on X, saying – ” My warmest greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of the holy Maha Bishub Sankranti and the Odia New Year. May everyone’s life be blessed by the grace of Lord Sri Jagannath. ”
The festival is celebrated with a mix of traditional rituals and joyful activities. One of the main highlights is the sharing of a special sweet drink called ‘Pana,’ made with ingredients like jaggery, fruits, water, and herbs. This drink not only symbolizes the spirit of giving but also helps beat the summer heat.
Another key feature of the celebration is the folk dance known as Danda Nacha, performed by groups of devotees as an offering to Lord Shiva. The dance, combined with rituals and fasting, showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual devotion.
In recent years, digital platforms have also become a part of the celebration, allowing people to share wishes and participate in cultural events online, bringing together families and communities even if they are far apart.
Pana Sankranti continues to be a festival that blends tradition with modern connection, celebrating the spirit of togetherness, renewal, and joy.
