Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti, signifies the traditional New Year celebration among the Odia people of Odisha, India. It falls on the first day of the lunar month of Baisakha, corresponding to the initial day of the traditional solar month of Meṣa in the Odia solar calendar. This auspicious occasion is marked by the preparation and sharing of a sweet drink called 'pana,' particularly prominent in rural areas.
Additionally, it involves the worship of Lord Jagannath, credited with creating the pana drink. The festival embodies themes of rebirth, fresh beginnings, and community spirit, encapsulating the vibrant cultural heritage of Odisha.
This year, Pana Sankranti will be observed on Saturday, April 13th, with the auspicious moment commencing at 9:15 PM, as per Drik Panchang.
History:
Pana Sankranti traces its origins back centuries, rooted in the ancient agricultural customs of the region, symbolizing the onset of a new agricultural cycle. According to legend, Lord Jagannath, the principal deity of the renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri, created the pana drink to alleviate the scorching summer heat. This refreshing concoction, comprising water, jaggery, yogurt, and an assortment of spices, is believed to possess cooling properties. Integral to the festivities, the sharing of the pana drink fosters bonds among friends and family.
Significance:
In Odisha, within the broader context of Indian culture and traditions, Pana Sankranti holds significant importance. It heralds the commencement of the new agricultural year and coincides with the onset of the Hindu solar calendar.
The festival is synonymous with the consumption of pana, a revitalizing sweet beverage, symbolizing the advent of summer. Traditional observances include house cleaning, donning new attire, and offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, symbolizing renewal and fresh starts. Emphasizing the values of cooperation and camaraderie, communities engage in folk dances and partake in sharing the pana drink.
Celebrations:
In the Odia Hindu tradition, Pana Sankranti doubles as the birthday celebration of the revered Hindu deity Hanuman, renowned for his steadfast devotion to Lord Rama. Temples dedicated to Hanuman, Shiva, and Surya witness special reverence on this auspicious day.
Devotees also flock to Goddess Devi temples like Taratarini and Sarala, participating in fire-walking festivals and Patua Yatra rituals. Various local festivals such as Chadak Parva and Meru Yatra mark the culmination of month-long festivities.
The day also witnesses the unveiling of the new Odia calendar or Panjika, serving as a guide to Hindu festivals and auspicious dates for the year ahead. Bela Pana, a festive concoction made from milk, bel fruit, and spices, is shared across the state, accompanied by the Basundhara Theki ritual, where water is poured from an earthen pot onto a sacred basil plant.
