Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the Odia New Year
Maha Bishuba Sankranti is the Odia New Year celebrated in Odisha. It is one of the important Hindu festival. For details regarding the significance of the festival see the complete article presented inside.
The significance of the Name Maha-Bishuba
Maha-Bishuba Sankranti, also known as Pana Sankranti or Meru Sankranti or Mesha Sankranti is one of the important festival in Odia Calendar as well as of The Hindus. It is believed that the festival Maha-Bishuba Sankranti is very much helpful in strengthening our society, culture and god belief. As per Astrology, on this day Sun places itself on the Bushuba Rekha (The Equator). From this day only the Sun moves towards North, I.e. Karkata Kranti. It is the first day of Rasi (Signs of Astrology) Chakra (Cycle). It is the first day of Mesa Rasi (Aries Sign). So, according to the Indian Standard Time (IST) it is known as Mesa Sankranti. Celebration of Maha-Bishuba Sankranti in Odisha
Maha-Bishuba Sankranti is celebrated in a very blissful manner in Odisha. It is very popularly known as Odia Naba Barsa / Odia New Year. As per Odia Calendar, Maha-Bishuba Sankranti is known as the first Sankranti of the year. Hence, fresh and new Odia Panji (Calendar) is published every year on this day.
As it is the first day of Odia Year, so the Odia families organize all types of pujas, homos, special Prasada etc. in Hindu Temples. The Pana (A delicious and healthy beverage) is the main attraction of the day. Because of the importance of Pana, Maha-Bishuba Sankranti is also known as Pana Sankranti in Odisha. The Pana is prepared in almost all Hindu temples including the Jagannath Temple of Puri by using various healthy products like Ripe Bela, Mango, Coconut, Cheese, Curd, Milk, Nabata, Guda, Cashew and many more. To keep any eye in the heat of summer, it is always tried to maintain the beverage cool. It is believed that the Maintaining temperature of the body is one of the important characteristics of Pana. Other Events associated with this holy day
The association of other main events or festivals enhances the importance of Maha-Bishuba Sankranti. Some of such events or festivals are Hanuman Jayanti, Jhamu Yatra, Meru Yatra or End of Danda Yatra.Hanuman Jayanti in Odisha
The day is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti in Odisha. It is alleged that Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to get relief from the increased velocity of wind, as Lord Hanuman is known as the son of Wind (Mythological View). People do fasting from the Morning till Evening. Hanuman Chalisa is read repeatedly at every Hanuman Temple as well as at Home. In the evening, Puja , Homo, Arati etc. is organized in Hanuman Temple. Jhamu Yatra in Odisha
On this day Jhamu Yatra is organized in many parts of Odisha. People those observe the Jhamu Brata is known as Patua. These Patuas complete their brata on this day in traditional way, i.e. by walking in Throne/ Nail beds or Fire. Meru Yatra/End of Danda Yatra in Odisha
The Dandias end their thirty day long Danda Yatra on this day. They celebrate it as Meru Sankranti/Meru Yatra. It is celebrated in almost all Goddess Kali Pithas in Odisha. Maha-Bishuba Sankranti in other parts of India
Maha-Bishuba Sankranti is also celebrated in other parts of India in different names and different manner. They are listed as under:
