Celebrating Pana Sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti, and Odia New Year - Wishing All Odia People!
Happy Pana Sankranti and Odia New Year to all the wonderful Odia people out there! As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, let's delve into the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and celebrate these auspicious occasions with joy and enthusiasm.
Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti or Mahabisuba Sankranti, is a significant festival celebrated in Odisha on the first day of the Odia calendar month of Baisakh (usually falling on April 14 or 15). The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Aries, marking the onset of the New Year in Odisha. The highlight of Pana Sankranti is the traditional drink called "Pana," which is made with water, curd, sugar, milk, and various flavorful ingredients like black pepper, cumin, cardamom, and mango pulp. Pana is offered to the deities in temples and distributed among devotees as a symbol of prosperity and well-being.
Pana Sankranti is also associated with various cultural and social activities. People dress up in new clothes, visit temples, and offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead. Youngsters fly colorful kites, while folk dances like Danda Nacha, Ghoda Nacha, and Ravana Chhaya are performed in villages to celebrate the occasion. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting on traditional Odia delicacies, and exchanging greetings and gifts with loved ones.
Another significant festival celebrated during this time is Hanuman Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the revered Hindu deity known for his devotion, strength, and courage. Devotees offer prayers, chant hymns, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa, a sacred text dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Temples and homes are adorned with flowers and lamps, and devotional songs fill the air, creating a spiritual ambiance. Hanuman Jayanti is believed to bring blessings of courage, protection, and prosperity to the devotees.
In addition to Pana Sankranti, Odia people also celebrate their New Year on the same day, known as "Maha Vishuba Sankranti" or "Pana Sankranti" in Odisha. It is the beginning of the Odia calendar year, and people offer prayers to deities for blessings and prosperity in the coming year. It is a time for new beginnings, setting goals, and seeking the blessings of the divine for a successful year ahead.
As we celebrate these auspicious festivals, we extend our warmest wishes to all Odia people around the world. May the spirit of Pana Sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti, and Odia New Year fill your hearts with joy, happiness, and prosperity. May you be blessed with good health, success, and abundance in all your endeavors. Happy Pana Sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti, and Odia New Year to everyone! Jai Jagannath! #MYPURI