Odisha Raises ‘Pana’ Toast To New Beginning On Maha Bisuba Sankranti; President, PM Modi, CM Majhi Greet People

Bhubaneswar: As the Sun enters the sign of Aries, Odisha plunges into a festive mood celebrating Maha Bisuba Sankranti or Pana Sankranti. It marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik have wished the people of the state on this auspicious occasion.

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, food and cloth. This concoction of water, jaggery, yoghurt and a mixture of spices is also believed to have cooling properties. Special offerings are made to Shalagram, Shivalinga, Hanuman, and other deities.

On this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu, in his Varaha (boar) avatar, rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, restoring balance and marking a new beginning. Many also believe it is the birthday of Lord Hanuman, the epitome of selfless devotion to Lord Rama, whose strength and loyalty inspire protection and courage.

Thus, Pana Sankranti celebrates victory over evil, the power of devotion, renewal after harvest, and preparation for the hot months ahead.

The festivities do not end here. Devi Pithas like Cuttack Chandi, Biraja, Samaleswari Temple and Sarala remain chock-a-block with devotees, attending Jhamu Yatra (fire walks).

People observing Jhamu Brata are called Patua or holy devotee. They end their brata by walking barefoot on burning charcoal as a part of their penance and to express gratitude to the goddess for having fulfilled their wishes.

In North Odisha it is observed as Chadak Parva and in the South, the day is celebrated as the end of month-long Danda Nata, and the closing ceremony is known as Meru Yatra.

The participants of Danda Nata are usually called Dandua and the chief as Pata Dandua, who move from village to village performing to sounds of drums, cymbals and conch shells, while inflicting pain to self. They pierce iron nails on their back, make snakes sting their bodies, walk on fire and sharp swords, to appease Shiva.

Relish chhatua and Pana, while beginning a new cycle of life!