Bhubaneswar: Odisha on Sunday celebrated Pana Sankranti also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti that is extensively observed across Odisha as the Odia New Year. People observed fast and offered ‘pana’ to the deities at different temples. The pana is prepared by mixing water, jaggery, yoghurt and spices having cooling properties.
Traditionally, Pana Sankranti is believed to be the birthday of Lord Hanuman. 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.
On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people of Odisha.
Marking the celebration of the Maha Bishuba Sankranti, special rituals were performed at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
People also observed Jhamu Jatra. The people observing Jhamu are called ‘Patua’ or holy devotees. They end the ritual on the day by walking barefoot on burning charcoal as a part of their penance and to express gratitude to the goddess for having fulfilled their wishes.