From sacred offerings to holy chants; Odisha observes Pana Sankranti & Hanuman Jayanti

Bhubaneswar, Ap 14: People of Odisha celebrate Pana Sankranti or Hanuman Jayanti today. The festival, which dates back centuries, holds a special place in the hearts of Odias, connecting them to their cultural heritage.

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In Odisha, Pana Sankranti holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, not only marking the start of the agricultural year but also aligning with the Hindu solar calendar. The festival coincides with the transition into the month of Baisakh, a period that is seen as auspicious and fertile for agricultural growth.

Cuttack:

On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, Law Minister Pruthiraj Harichandan visited the ancient Hanuman Temple in Kujiwara, in Choudwar Panchayat of Cuttack district. The Minister performed the ritual of Kalasa immersion and conducted Puja at the temple. 

Law Minister Pruthiraj Harichandan mentioned that it holds a special spiritual energy. He expressed hope that in the future, the temple will undergo further development, uplifting it to a prominent place in the state.

The temple is of great significance, especially for those devotees who come here with an unwavering faith, seeking fulfillment of wishes. 

Bolangir:

Maha Bishuva Sankranti was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the ancient Hanuman Temple near Bulanai in Gurunda-Bhoipada village of Goimunda Panchayat under the Muribahal block in Bolangir district. On this occasion, Pana was prepared and distributed among the hundreds of devotees, spreading the joy and festivity.

Puri:

In Puri, Mahavishuba Sankranti and Hanuman Jayanti hold special significance. Since Hanuman is worshipped as the presiding deity at the traditional Jaga Akhada in the city, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor here. Young people engaged in wrestling and physical exercises at the Jaga Akhada have today started their training in kushti and physical fitness.

On this day, the tradition of serving separate Pana and Sattu Bhoga in Puri Srimandir also prepared. At the Jaga Akhada, Pana made with kheer, khua, rabidi, and sugar is served with Sattu, and it is distributed to everyone.

Furthermore, since today marks the beginning of the new Odia calendar year with Pana Sankranti, this day is also celebrated as the Odia New Year. On this occasion, the new Panjika is also offered to Lord Jagannath for blessings.

Salepur:

In the Salepur block of Cuttack district, at the Kulia Raghunathjiu Temple, Hanuman Jayanti was observed with great fervor.

The temple rituals were carried out with due sanctity, including the ritualistic way and worship of the deity as per tradition. In the temple courtyard, the 108 Hanuman Chalisa recitations were conducted, along with Yajna.

The event was organized by the temple's Hanumanta Bhakta Mandali members, with the active cooperation of local devotees. A large gathering of devotees from nearby areas had come to witness the darshan of Lord Hanuman.

Sambalpur:

Sambalpur is celebrating the historic Hanuman Jayanti. After 39 years, the city is witnessing a grand historical Hanuman Jayanti celebration. In Sambalpur, a beautiful blend of devotion, strength, tradition, and culture can be seen during the festivities.

On this occasion, a police security arrangement has been set up across the city. Over 50 platoons of police forces are deployed throughout the city, with 134 CCTV cameras installed and drone surveillance in place to ensure security.

The puja rituals at the Hanuman Temple in the city started early in the morning, with large crowds of devotees gathered to offer their prayers. In the evening, processions from various localities will take place as part of the celebrations.