Pana Sankranti 2025 - Maha Bisuba Sankranti
The festival of Pana Sankranti is celebrated with great pomp in Odisha. On this occasion, the people of Odisha wish each other Pana Sankranti and a Happy New Year. This festival has a tradition of drinking sherbet made of curd, sattu, fruits, and other things. This festival is known by different names in various parts of the country. In North India, it is called Baisakhi; in Kerala, it is celebrated as Vishur; and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Puthandu. The people of Assam celebrate this festival as Bihu.
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Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bisuba Sankranti, is a traditional New Year celebration among the people of Odisha. It falls on the first day of the month of Baisakh, which corresponds to the starting day of the month of Masa in the Oriya solar calendar. This auspicious occasion is marked by the preparation and sharing of a sweet drink called тАЬpanaтАЭ, which has special significance, especially in rural areas. It also involves the worship of Lord Jagannath, who is credited with creating the pana drink. The festival symbolizes the vibrant cultural heritage of Odisha, symbolizing rebirth, new beginnings, and community spirit.
Pana Sankranti 2025 Date
Pana Sankranti falls on April 14, 2025, and is celebrated with great reverence and joy.
Importance of Pana Sankranti
Pana Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of the solar year. According to the Odia tradition, Lord Hanuman's birthday was on the day of Pana Sankranti. Therefore, Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated here on this day. On this day, Lord Surya completes half of his journey of Uttarayan. Like other Sankrantis, the importance of bathing and donation, offering of water to ancestors and worship of Lord Madhusudan has been told on this day as well.
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History of Pana Sankranti
The origins of Pana Sankranti are centuries old, rooted in the ancient agricultural customs of the region, which mark the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. According to mythology, Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, created the Pana drink to get relief from the scorching heat. This refreshing concoction consisting of water, jaggery, curd, bael fruit and various spices is believed to have cooling properties. An important aspect of the celebration, sharing the Pana drink strengthens the bond between friends and family.
What to Do on Pana Sankranti?
Worshiping the Sun on this day is considered extremely auspicious. It is said that by worshipping the Sun on the day of Pana Sankranti, a person gets the blessings of the Sun God in life. Therefore, one must offer Arghya to the Sun on this day. It is said that by worshipping the Sun, a person gets respect and honour.
Do These Donations on Pana Sankranti
Donation on the day of Mesh Sankranti is also considered to be of special importance. It is said that by donating on this day, the Sun God is pleased. But before donating, take a bath in the holy river. But if you cannot bathe in the river, then take a bath at home by adding Gangajal to the bathing water.
How is Pana Sankranti Celebrated?
This festival is celebrated with great pomp in Odisha. On this occasion, people bathe and dress up in traditional clothes and prepare various traditional dishes at home. Lord Jagannath is also worshipped.
During this time, people come together to share Pana drinks and participate in various cultural activities like folk dances and musical performances.
Conclusion
Pana Sankranti is not just a celebration of the New Year; it is a time for reflection, renewal, and community bonding. It reflects Odisha's cultural richness and spiritual depth, offering a glimpse into the timeless traditions of the region. When families come together to prepare Pana, perform rituals, and give charity, the festival promotes a sense of unity and collective well-being, making it a cherished and integral part of Odia culture. To know more about Pana Sankranti, talk to astrologers.
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