Maha Vishuba Sankranti, also known as Pana Sankranti or
Mesha Sankranti, is a significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of
Odisha. It marks the Odia New Year and falls on the first day of the
traditional Hindu solar calendar month of Mesha (April). This festival is observed
with enthusiasm and various rituals, symbolizing renewal and the onset of the
agricultural season.The name "Maha Vishuba Sankranti" is derived from
the Sanskrit words "Maha" meaning great, "Vishuba"
signifying the equinox, and "Sankranti" referring to the transition
of the Sun into a new zodiac sign.
Maha Vishuba Sankranti Information (2024)
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Topic
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Knowledge
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Date
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13
April 2024
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Festival
Name
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Maha
Vishuba Sankranti
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Meaning |
The Odia people's traditional new year |
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significance
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It
marks the day from which the new Odian almanac is effective |
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Observance
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Pojas , Processions Bela pana |
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Rituals
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especially Lord Hanuman temples |
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Duration
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1
day
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Type
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Social
, Culture ., Religious
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Related
to
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South
, Southeast Asian Solar New Year
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Spiritual
importance
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The birthday of Hanuman, a Hindu deity |
How is Maha Vishuba Sankranti Celebrated
Across Orissa, this festival is celebrated with great
reverence and enthusiasm. People visit pilgrimage places and temples, take a
bath in rivers and make special offerings to their deities. Many places have
fairs or melas, where people get to enjoy themselves with families and see
dance and singing performances. These fairs have stalls of food, traditional
crafts, and other products. On the streets, too many local artists perform
street dances or do acrobatic performances. The day's main attraction is a
social celebration where people walk or sprint on burning coal. It is known as
the coal walk, and many volunteers participate. To cheer them, numerous people
gather.
Also Check Other Holiday in April 2024
Maha Vishuba Sankranti Significance
The significance of the day is that Panji or the new Odia calendar is introduced which is an almanac of Hindu festivals and contains the dates of festivals, auspicious days and timings, timings of sunrise and sunset along with horoscopes for the year.
Pana Sankranti is named after ‘Pana,’ a type of summer drink that has been prepared for ages in Utkal’s traditional culture. The festival enthusiasts enjoy the essence of having Pana with Chhatua. Other types of this beverage include Bela Pana, made with a mixture of milk, spices, sugar, and various fruits. Thereafter, this sweet-sour drink is garnished with Chhenaa and Nadia Kora (coconut gratings). Hanging an earthen pot over a Tulsi plant is a significant custom that is still observed across Odisha. This ritual is called ‘Hanging of Basundhara Theki.
Maha Vishuba Sankranti Tradition
Maha Vishuba Sankranti, celebrated in the state of Odisha,
is marked by several traditional customs and rituals that hold cultural and
religious significance. Here are some key traditions associated with the
celebration of Maha Vishuba Sankranti:
- Ritualistic Baths: Devotees begin the day by taking
ritualistic baths in rivers, ponds, or the sea. This act symbolizes
purification and is believed to wash away sins, marking a fresh start for the
new year.
- Temple Visits and Worship: People visit temples, especially
those dedicated to Lord Jagannath, to offer prayers and seek blessings for
prosperity and well-being in the coming year. Special pujas and rituals are
performed at these temples.
- Preparation and Consumption of Pana: One of the central
traditions involves the preparation and consumption of a traditional drink
called "Pana." This beverage is made by combining various ingredients
like milk, curd, coconut water, fruits, and jaggery. Sharing Pana is considered
auspicious and is a symbol of communal harmony.
Places to Celebrated Maha Vishuba
Sankranti
- Brahmapur: The Taratarini Temple is near Berhampur and is
popular for its Maha Vishuba Sankranti celebrations and its Shakti Pitha
shrine. Numerous devout visit it to seek blessings from the goddess. A fair is
organized near the temple, which the devotees enjoy after worship.
- Cuttack: People visit temples, offer prayers, and feast with
their families. There is a Jhaamu Yatra in the Devi temple, and many people
from across Odisha visit the place to watch the procession. Several poetry and
other literary functions are also organized on this day.
- Chhatrapada, Bhadrak: The Maa Patana Mangala Temple has an
annual Patau Yatra festival. Several devotees gather to seek blessings from the
Devi or Goddess and witness this festival.
- Sarala: The Sarala Temple is known for the fire walk done by
the priests of the temple. It is called the Jhaanu Yatra or the fire-walking
festival.
Conclusion
Maha Vishuba Sankranti is a celebration that blends
cultural, religious, and social elements, symbolizing the renewal of life and
the ushering in of a new year. It brings people together to rejoice in
traditions, express gratitude, and embrace the positive energy associated with
the festival.