State celebrates Odia new year with Maha Bishuba Sankranti festivities | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: The spirit of celebration gripped Odisha on Monday as people across the state welcomed the Odia New Year with vibrant rituals, heartfelt wishes, and cultural fervour on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, also known as Pana Sankranti. From early in the morning, devotees thronged temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other politicians wished Odias on New Year. “Pana Sankranti conveys the message of love and peace in our society. This festival of joy and celebration also inspires us to dedicate ourselves to the service of our nation. On this occasion, I wish everyone happiness and prosperity,” wrote President Murmu in her X post. “Best wishes on Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. May the coming year mark the fulfilment of all your dreams. May there be happiness, harmony, and prosperity all over,” wished PM Modi on X.
New Year greetings flooded social media platforms, while cultural programmes, folk music, and community feasts added colour to the day’s celebrations. The highlight of the festivities was the preparation and distribution of “pana” — a traditional nutritious and cooling beverage made of bael, fruits, curd, milk, water, and sweeteners like jaggery — symbolic of health, compassion, and togetherness.
Considering the day as highly auspicious, people from all walks of life and communities, irrespective of caste, offered “pana” to others and distributed it among devotees near temples, markets, and bus stops. Youth groups set up roadside stalls to serve “pana” to passersby, while religious organisations organised Hanuman Jayanti processions, adding to the festive cheer. “This day is not just the beginning of a new year for us, but also a celebration of our rich heritage and the values of sharing compassion,” said Ranjita Pradhan, a teacher.
Celebrities from Ollywood also joined the celebrations, with actors and singers sharing messages while people flooded social media with hashtags #OdiaNewYear, #MahaBishubaSankranti, and #PanaSankranti. Markets witnessed brisk sales of seasonal fruits, earthen pots, and Hanuman idols. In rural areas, people performed Danda Nacha and visited temples in groups, showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage.
President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other politicians wished Odias on New Year. “Pana Sankranti conveys the message of love and peace in our society. This festival of joy and celebration also inspires us to dedicate ourselves to the service of our nation. On this occasion, I wish everyone happiness and prosperity,” wrote President Murmu in her X post. “Best wishes on Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. May the coming year mark the fulfilment of all your dreams. May there be happiness, harmony, and prosperity all over,” wished PM Modi on X.
New Year greetings flooded social media platforms, while cultural programmes, folk music, and community feasts added colour to the day’s celebrations. The highlight of the festivities was the preparation and distribution of “pana” — a traditional nutritious and cooling beverage made of bael, fruits, curd, milk, water, and sweeteners like jaggery — symbolic of health, compassion, and togetherness.
Considering the day as highly auspicious, people from all walks of life and communities, irrespective of caste, offered “pana” to others and distributed it among devotees near temples, markets, and bus stops. Youth groups set up roadside stalls to serve “pana” to passersby, while religious organisations organised Hanuman Jayanti processions, adding to the festive cheer. “This day is not just the beginning of a new year for us, but also a celebration of our rich heritage and the values of sharing compassion,” said Ranjita Pradhan, a teacher.
Celebrities from Ollywood also joined the celebrations, with actors and singers sharing messages while people flooded social media with hashtags #OdiaNewYear, #MahaBishubaSankranti, and #PanaSankranti. Markets witnessed brisk sales of seasonal fruits, earthen pots, and Hanuman idols. In rural areas, people performed Danda Nacha and visited temples in groups, showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage.
