Pana Sankranti is an important festival that indicates the start of the Odia New Year. It is also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti and is celebrated by the Odia people of Odisha, India.
The festival takes place on the first day of the lunar month of Baisakha, which is also the first day of the Odia solar month of Mesa. People in Odisha prepare and share a sweet drink called ‘pana’ on this day, especially in rural areas.
The festival includes worshipping Lord Jagannath, who is believed to have created the pana drink. Pana Sankranti is a time for new beginnings and community, with colorful celebrations that show Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
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Pana Sankranti 2024 Date
In 2024, Pana Sankranti will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13th. According to Drik Panchang, the special Pana Sankranti moment will start at 9:15 PM.
The time indicates the observance of this important festival, which celebrates the Odia New Year and is known for its traditions and cultural significance.
Pana Sankranti Celebration
Pana Sankranti is an important festival in the Odia Hindu tradition because it is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu deity Hanuman, known for his devotion to Lord Rama. People worship in temples dedicated to Hanuman, Shiva, and Surya on this special day. Devotees also visit temples dedicated to the goddess Devi, such as the Taratarini Temple and Sarala Temple, where special rituals like fire-walking festivals and Patua Yatra take place.
Different parts of Odisha celebrate various local festivals such as Chadak Parva and Meru Yatra during this time, indicating the end of a month-long celebration. The day also indicates the start of the new Odia calendar, or Pankika, which is used as an almanac for Hindu festivals and auspicious dates throughout the year.
Bela Pana, a sweet drink made from milk, bel fruit, and spices, is shared across the state to celebrate the occasion. This is done along with the Basundhara Theki ritual, where water is poured from an earthen pot onto a sacred basil plant.
Pana Sankranti History and Significance
Pana Sankranti is a festival that has been celebrated for centuries. It likely began as part of ancient agricultural traditions and indicates the start of a new farming cycle in the region.
According to folklore, Lord Jagannath, who is worshiped at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, created the pana drink to help with the intense summer heat. The drink is made from water, jaggery, yogurt, and spices, which are believed to have cooling effects.
The pana drink is a key part of the festival and is shared among friends, family, and neighbors. Sharing the drink symbolizes friendship and togetherness in the community.
Pana Sankranti is an important festival in Odisha. It marks the beginning of the new agricultural year and is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu solar calendar. The festival is known for the traditional pana drink, which is a refreshing sweet beverage that signals the start of summer.
During the festival, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, who is worshiped at the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. This time of renewal and new beginnings emphasizes the value of community and cooperation.
People come together to enjoy folk dances and share the pana drink. This sharing promotes camaraderie and unity among friends, family, and neighbors.
Also Read: Vishu 2024: Date, Time, Celebration, History and Significance of Malayalam New Year
