Puri, Sept 23: Today marks the sacred Utkal New Year, also known as the royal New Year, with the observance of Sunia and the birth anniversary of Lord Vamana. The day also marks the beginning of the Utkaliya 1434 year and the commencement of the 71st Anka of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
Sunia is traditionally regarded as the New Year of the Gajapati Maharaja in Odisha’s cultural and social life. Observed on Bhadrab Shukla Dwadasi, the day marks the beginning of a new Anka, which is used to count the years of the Gajapati Maharaja’s reign.
The tradition holds special significance in Odisha’s historical calendar system, where the year, month, date, tithi and nakshatra are recorded. From Sunia, the regnal year of the Gajapati is counted.
On the occasion, Brahmins from the Solasasana visit the Srinaar and offer coconuts to the Gajapati Maharaja while extending their blessings. Karan and Samanta representatives also pay their respects and offer traditional gifts. The visitors are traditionally hosted with Mahaprasad at the Srinaar.
Another important tradition is the Gajapati Maharaja’s visit to Srimandir, where he offers Kanaka Bhet to Lord Jagannath. After seeking the blessings of the deities, he traditionally visits the old palace site to offer prayers to Shyam Kali and the Ashta Shambhu before returning to the Srinaar.
Sunia also marks the symbolic transition from the old Anka to the new one. Traditionally, the old Anka engraved on the Gajapati’s gold coin is replaced, and the counting of the new Anka begins from that day.
The occasion carries deep historical and cultural significance, reflecting Odisha’s royal traditions and the enduring institution of the Gajapati Maharaja.
