Odisha Celebrates New Year: Governor and CM Share Heartfelt Wishes for Maha Bishuba Sankranti
Synopsis
On April 14, Odisha's Governor and Chief Minister extended warm wishes to citizens for Maha Bishuba Sankranti and Odia New Year, celebrating rich traditions and cultural pride. The occasion also honors Lord Hanuman Jayanti, marking a significant day for the state's heritage.
Key Takeaways
Maha Bishuba Sankranti signifies the commencement of the Odia New Year.
Governor and CM convey heartfelt greetings to citizens.
Special Puja performed at homes and temples.
Traditional drink Pana offered to deities.
Celebration of Lord Hanuman Jayanti is also significant.
Bhubaneswar, April 14 (NationPress) On the auspicious occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti, also celebrated as Odia New Year and Lord Hanuman Jayanti, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with numerous others, extended their warm wishes to the citizens of Odisha.
In his message shared on X, Kambhampati stated, “Warm greetings and congratulations to my dear brothers and sisters of Odisha on this joyous occasion of Odia New Year and the revered Mahabishuba Sankranti. This sacred festival showcases the magnificence of our culture, the richness of our traditions, and the pride of being Odia. Let us unite this New Year, embracing collaboration, commitment, and diligence to elevate Odisha to new heights of achievement. May the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath illuminate our lives, bringing forth happiness, serenity, and prosperity for all—this is my sincere hope.”
Chief Minister Majhi also conveyed his heartfelt wishes, expressing that may this sacred occasion and the New Year cultivate the collective strength of the people to further enhance the cultural legacy of Odisha and uphold the pride of Odia identity.
“On this significant day of Odia New Year and Maha Bishuba Sankranti, I send my best wishes to everyone. May this New Year enrich your lives with joy, peace, and prosperity, and empower us with renewed vigor to celebrate our culture and Odia identity on a global scale,” wrote Majhi on X.
Additionally, Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), also shared his greetings with the public.
Maha Bishuba Sankranti, recognized as Pana Sankranti, heralds the commencement of the Odia New Year (the first day of the Baisakha month), marking the conclusion of the spring harvest and the arrival of the summer season.
On this day, a special Puja is performed at temples and homes throughout the state. Deities are offered Pana, a traditional sweet beverage crafted from jaggery, Bel fruit, bananas, coconuts, and other delicacies.
Moreover, the people of Odisha celebrate the Jayanti or birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the epitome of devotion, strength, and selfless service to Lord Rama, with grandeur all across the state.
Point of View
It is evident that the celebration of Maha Bishuba Sankranti reflects a rich cultural heritage and a sense of unity among the people of Odisha. The wishes from prominent leaders like the Governor and Chief Minister not only emphasize the importance of tradition but also inspire collective progress and pride in Odia identity.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maha Bishuba Sankranti?
Maha Bishuba Sankranti, also referred to as Pana Sankranti, marks the beginning of the Odia New Year and signifies the end of the spring harvest while welcoming the summer season.
How do people celebrate this festival?
People celebrate Maha Bishuba Sankranti by performing special Puja at temples and homes, offering traditional sweet drinks like Pana to deities, and celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.
Who conveyed their wishes on this occasion?
Odisha's Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik extended their warm greetings to the people.
What does the festival symbolize?
The festival symbolizes the grandeur of Odia culture, the beauty of traditions, and the pride of the Odia identity, encouraging unity and progress.
What is offered to the deities during the festival?
During this festival, deities are offered Pana, a traditional sweet drink made from jaggery, Bel fruit, bananas, coconuts, and other delicacies.
