Mukti Mandap Of Jagannath Temple Ends Confusion Over Pana Sankranti Celebration Date

Bhubaneswar: The confusion over date of Pana Sankranti 2024 was resolved with the Mukti Mandap of Jagannath Temple confirming April 14 for its celebration.

While some almanac makers suggested April 13, others argued for April 14.

Putting all confusion to rest, the Mukti Mandap, the committee of the scholars in Srimandir, on Monday put its seal on April 14, the date for celebrating Pana Sankranti across the state. “Pana Sankranti will be observed on April 14,” said secretary of Mukti Mandap Prafulla Mishra.

As the Sun enters the sign of Aries, the state plunges into a festive mood celebrating Maha Bisuba Sankranti or Mesha Sankranti. It marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer and celebrated as Odia New Year.

On this day, special rituals are observed at Jagannath Temple in Puri and the newly-prepared almanac is read before the sibling deities.

People fast and offer prayers in temples along with Pana (a drink prepared from wood apple), food and cloth. Special offerings are made to Shalagram, Shivalinga, and Hanuman, as this day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.