Maha Vishuba Sankranti
Table of Contents
Maha Vishuba Sankranti is also known as Pana Sankranti. It is a vibrant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. This day marks the Odia New Year and mostly falls on the same day as the Mesha Sankranti or the transition of the Sun into the Aries zodiac sign. Generally, it is celebrated in the month of April every year.
Date | Day | Festival |
15 April 2024 | Monday | Maha Vishuba Sankranti |
Significance of Maha Vishuba Sankranti
This festival is associated with the start of a new agricultural season. Farmers depend on the the changing seasons for a bountiful harvest and that is why, celebrate this day with great fan and fare.
Moreover, this day also marks the birthday of Lord Hanuman, as per Odia culture. Loard Hanuman was a devotee of Lord Rama. Devotees visit Hanuman's temples, as well as Shiva's and Surya's (the sun god) temples, on this day.
How is Maha Vishuba Sankranti celebrated?
The Maha Vishuba Sankranti is symbolic to a blend of religious faith, communal unity, and cultural diversity. It mirrors the richness and diversity of Odia tradition and also promotes unity in the community. The festival is usually celebrated with:
- Pana Preparation and Consumption: The major attraction of Pana Sankranti is the preparation and consumption of a special drink known as "Pana." This drink is a concoction, made using water, sugar, fruits, wood apple (Bel) pulp, and various other herbs. This drink is believed to possess cooling properties and soothe the consumer. Families and communities gather for Pana preparation and share it amongst themsleves.
- Temple Visits and Prayers: As this day is also believed to be the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, worshippers visits to temples, particularly those dedicated to deities like Hanuman, Shiva, and Surya. Devotees also offer special prayers and perform pujas to seek blessings for the New Year.
- Cleaning and Decoration: Other major tradition around Pana Sankranti revolves around cleanliness and home decoration. People of Odisha take this occasion as an opportunity to clean and adorn their homes, symbolising a fresh start and welcoming positive energies for the coming year.
- Community Events and Fairs: On this day, various community fairs are organised across Odisha. This festival brings joy to the people of Odisha. They come together to enjoy various cultural activities, processions and fairs. There is live music around, dance and local art, creating a lively atmosphere for shared festivities.
FAQs on Maha Vishuba Sankranti
- Which traditions are mainly associated with Maha Vishuba Sankranti in Odisha?
The festival is celebrated by following various traditions and rituals, but the main attraction is the preparation and consumption of a special drink called "Pana". Other than that, people visit Hanuman temple to offer prayers and pujas, they clean and decorate homes, and also engage in community events, cultural programs, and processions.
- What is the significance of Pana in Maha Vishuba Sankranti?
The special concoction “Pana” is believed to have cooling properties and is offered to deities during the festival. Its preparation and consumption is symbolic to renewal and is a central part of the celebration.
- Is Maha Vishuba Sankranti celebrated only in Odisha?
Yes, Maha Vishuba sankranti is celebrated mostly in Odisha where it has a lot of cultural and religious importance. The tradition and customs associated with this festival are very much rooted in the Odia culture.
- How can one particpate in the Maha Vishuba Sankranti festival and experience its authenticity?
One can take part in local rituals, visit the temples across state, participate in community events, and perform the cultural rituals associated with the Mahavishuba Sankranti to experience it authentically.
- Which deities are particularly worshipped during Pana Sankranti in Odisha?
Temples dedicated to deities such as Hanuman, Shiva, and Surya (the sun god) hold special significance during Pana Sankranti. Devotees visit these temples to seek blessings and actively participate in the spiritual aspects of the festival.
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