Maha Vishuva Sankranti - Oriya New Year Celebration and Festival

Maha Vishuva Sankranti or Mesha Sankranti, or also known as Pana Sankranti, is celebrated as the Oriya New Year. This festival marks the beginning of the New Year according to the traditional Hindu Solar Calendar. It is observed during the transition of the sun into the Aries or Mesha rashi. Oriya New Year generally falls on 13/14 of April. During this period, the spring season is at zenith and the summer is approaching.

Maha Vishuva Sankranti is very similar to the other New Year festivals observed elsewhere in India such as Vishu (Kerala), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Baisakhi (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), Bisu Parba (Tulu Nadu region in Karnataka), Naba Barsha (Bengal) and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

On this day, a small pot filled with sweet drink of Mishri and water is hung on a basil plant. At the bottom of this pot there is a hole which allows the water to escape, the water falls from the pot represents rain. Special offerings are made to Shalagram, Hanuman, Shivalinga and other deities. The flour of horse gram chhatua with Curd, Banana is consumed, after offering it to the Tulsi plant. The devi temples of Chandi, Sarala, Biraja become crowded which is called Jhaamu Yatra. It is called Chadak Parva in Northern Orissa. In southern Orissa it is celebrated as the end of monthlong Danda nata, the final ceremony is called as Meru Yatra. Hanuman is worshipped all over the state on this day and it is celebrated as his birthday. Chhatua and Bel Pana are enjoyed by people with great pleasure.