Bhubaneswar: Pana Sankranti, Odia New Year celebrated with utmost enthusiasm all across the state. This auspicious day is also well known in the name of Maha Vishuba Sankranti or Mesha Sankranti is the beginning of Odia New Year. On this day the Odisha state perform certain traditional rituals of making and sharing ‘Pana’, cultural dances such as Danda Nacha, and sharing of ‘Pana’. It is a moment of pride for the people of Odisha as this festival is celebrated across the state with religious enthusiasm.
Pana Sankranti marks as the commencement of the Odia month , Baisakha. It is festival full of culture, traditional rituals, religious beliefs and vibrant art forms like folk dances named Danda dance. This day of festivities is observed during mid-April, 14-15 every year. This festival is symbolic of the solar ingress into Mesha Rashi (Aries) providing an astrological significance.
The word ‘Pana Sankranti’ is derived a traditional concoction Pana made from jaggery, water, and fruits, milk or yogurt symbolising the advent of summer, scorching heat and highlighting the need of hydrating the body during hotter months. As per the the traditional ritual concoction (Pana) is first offered to deities during puja and then shared with relatives and neighbours, exemplifying the values of peace and communal harmony.
The Pana Sankranti as a festival sourced from our mythological referring to the ancient texts and scriptures that state, Lord Vishnu had rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha by taking Varaha avatar. So on this day people engage in various rituals and prayers, seeking good fortune and peace for the coming year.
Now a day in the era of digitalization, social media prominence the people get well connected through digital mediums by constant social media updates, reels, blogs and status posts on the celebration of the festival.
The Celebrations Observed:
On this auspicious day, peopke visit temples in large numbers to worship Lord Jagannath and Lord Shiva. Devotees keep fast, eat simple food with onion, garlic, fruits, etc. Special pujas and rituals are performed for seeking blessings and expressing gratitude. As our country India, Odisha state is no less diverese in its culture. So different regions in the state perform special rituals near sacred trees and water bodies pay homage to nature.
‘Danda Nacha,’ is a very famous traditional dance form performed by groups of men called ‘Danduas,’ showcase an amalgamation of worship, devotion and physical endurance. This includes acrobatic movements, reflecting a deep cultural heritage. Many charity works are also practiced by distributing food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy people for enduring good luck and deeds.
Pana Sankranti is the occasion when people, neighbors, relatives come together for community feasting. It’s about fostering unity and strengthening bonds among participants. Families and friends come together to enjoy special delicacies prepared specifically for the festival.
In today’s digital landscape, social media and online platforms have significantly enhanced connectivity, allowing Odia communities throughout India and beyond to engage with the festival. This digital integration has broadened cultural engagement, enabling people to celebrate and share their heritage regardless of their location.
-OdishaAge
