image credits: abhibus
Odisha will celebrate Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti on April 13th & 14th, 2025. This festival marks the beginning of the Odia New Year with the seasonal renewal, agricultural prosperity, and the onset of summer. Celebrated with temple visits, traditional folk dances, and the much-loved Pana drink, Pana Sankranti embodies hope, joy, and cultural richness.
How does Pana Sankranti Mark New Beginnings?
Pana Sankranti holds deep significance in Odisha. This festival coincides with other regional New Year festivities across India such as Vaisakhi in Punjab, Poila Boisakh in West Bengal, Bohag Bihu in Assam, and Vishu in Kerala. In Odisha, it also marks the start of the agricultural season, a time when farmers prepare for the cycles of sowing and reaping.
The belief that the tone of Pana Sankranti sets the course for the entire year inspires people to fill the day with positivity and devotion. Homes are cleaned, new clothes are worn, and families gather to partake in rituals and festivities that strengthen bonds and honour traditions.
The Refreshing Heart of the Festival: Pana
The Pana drink, a cooling concoction crafted to beat the summer heat. Made with ingredients like wood apple (Bel) pulp, milk, yogurt, coconut, fruits such as apple and banana, sugar or jaggery, black pepper, and ginger, Pana is both nourishing and symbolic. Each household adds its own touch, with variations like Chenna Pana (featuring cottage cheese), Khai Pana (made with parched rice), or Chhatua Pana (prepared with roasted gram flour). These Pana offers relief from the scorching temperatures.
What are the Spiritual Traditions of Basundhara Theki?
Among the unique customs of Pana Sankranti is the Basundhara Theki ritual, observed in many Odia homes. A small earthen pot with a hole at the bottom is suspended above a Tulsi (Basil) plant and filled with water each morning for a month. The water drips slowly, keeping the soil moist and symbolizing rain and fertility. Tulsi, revered as the embodiment of Ma Brundabati, holds a sacred place in Odia culture.
Also read about the grandeur of Odisha at surajkund mela: click here
How is Pana Sankranti 2025 Observed in Odisha?
Pana Sankranti draws devotees to temples across Odisha, where prayers are offered to Lord Hanuman, Lord Jagannath, Lord Shiva, and the Sun God. Prominent temples like Taratarini Temple, Biraja Temple, Samaleswari Temple, and Sarala Temple see large gatherings of worshippers.
Danda Nata or Danda Jatra, a dance festival held in honor of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali during March and April, fills villages with rhythmic beats. Similarly, the Ghanta Patua Dance, performed by the Patua community, highlights devotion to the Mother Goddess also known by names like Sarala, Hingula, Charchika, Bhagavati, Mangala, and Chandi. Dancers carry a brass gong (Ghanta) as they travel from village to village. From the soothing taste of Pana to the rhythmic steps of folk dances, the festival weaves together themes of renewal, gratitude, and community.
