The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 14
In a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday led the nation in extending warm greetings on the occasion of Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti — the traditional Odia New Year.
Taking to social media platform X, President Murmu shared a heartfelt message: “On the occasion of the holy Odia New Year, Pana Sankranti or Mahavishub Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Odisha and to our Odia brothers and sisters living abroad. Pana Sankranti brings a message of love and peace to our society. This joyful festival also inspires us to work dedicatedly for our country. On this occasion, I wish everyone happiness and prosperity.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in the celebrations, posting, “Best wishes on the Odia New Year! Best wishes on Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. May the coming year mark the fulfilment of all your dreams. May there be happiness, harmony and prosperity all over.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, echoing the spirit of festivity, wrote, “Heartiest wishes to my sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of Maha Vishuba Sankranti. At the advent of the Odia New Year, may Mahaprabhu shower blessings of joy, well-being and affluence on all.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also extended greetings, invoking the cultural richness of the festival: “Warm greetings on the occasion of the holy Pana Sankranti and the Odia New Year. As we welcome the new solar year, may the spirit of devotion, bhakti and compassion further enrich the cultural heritage of Odisha. May the blessings of Lord Jagannath always bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all of you.”
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambampati, in a message posted on his official X handle, extended his warm wishes and prayed to Lord Jagannath for a prosperous future for all.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Odias across the globe, urging people to uphold Odisha’s cultural pride and contribute towards building a progressive and prosperous state. “Let us take a pledge on this culturally significant day to elevate the pride of Odisha and contribute to its development,” he said, encouraging celebrations with traditional fervour and grandeur.
Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also joined in, stating, “On the occasion of the Odia New Year and Pana Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Odisha.”
Celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion, Mahabishuba Sankranti marks the beginning of the traditional Odia solar calendar. It also coincides with the birthday of Lord Hanuman, observed with special rituals across the state. The Srimandir in Puri witnessed elaborate ceremonies, while jagaghars — traditional martial art akhadas — across coastal Odisha echoed with chants, conch sounds, and displays of discipline and devotion.
As families offered pana, a traditional sweet drink, and observed age-old customs, the festival served as a beautiful reminder of Odisha’s enduring cultural legacy and the unifying spirit of the Odia community worldwide.
