April 14, 2025: Today, on April 14, 2025, the people of Odisha come together to celebrate Mesh Sankranti, also known locally as Pana Sankranti. This auspicious festival, marking the sun’s transition into Aries (Mesh Rashi), is a time of spiritual renewal, seasonal change, and gratitude. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Odia people as a day that welcomes the new solar year and signals the start of summer.

Unlike other parts of India where the festival is known by different names, Odisha’s Pana Sankranti carries unique customs, traditional dishes, and regional rituals that emphasize community spirit, agricultural prosperity, and devotion to Surya (the Sun God).

On the occasion of Pana Sankranti, which also marks the Odia New Year, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, extended warm greetings to the people of the state. In a heartfelt message shared by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO Odisha) on social media, he emphasized the significance of the Odia New Year as a time to cherish the richness of Odisha’s culture, traditions, and heritage.

ଓଡ଼ିଆ ନବବର୍ଷ ଆମ ସଂସ୍କୃତି, ପରମ୍ପରାର ଅନନ୍ୟ ବିଭବ। ସ୍ୱାଭିମାନୀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାବେ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ନବବର୍ଷକୁ ସମସ୍ତେ ମହା ଆଡ଼ମ୍ବର ସହକାରେ ପାଳନ କରିବାକୁ ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha ଆହ୍ୱାନ କରିଛନ୍ତି। pic.twitter.com/UeoxqaNM2y

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 14, 2025

The Significance of Mesh Sankranti (Pana Sankranti)

Mesh Sankranti, or Pana Sankranti, signifies the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesh Rashi), marking the beginning of the summer season. It is a day that symbolizes the onset of new energy, bringing with it a fresh start for the year. In Odisha, the festival is closely linked to agriculture, with the belief that this change in the solar position fosters growth, vitality, and fertility in the fields.

The festival is particularly important for farmers, as it is seen as an auspicious day for beginning new agricultural endeavors and offering thanks for the blessings of the earth and the sun. On this day, people perform various rituals to express their gratitude to Surya (the Sun God), whose rays provide energy for crops and life in general.

Celebrating Pana Sankranti in Odisha

In Odisha, Mesh Sankranti is often referred to as Pana Sankranti, with pana meaning “cool drink” in Odia. The name reflects one of the festival’s main features—the preparation and sharing of pana, a refreshing sweet drink made from tender coconut water, fruits, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom. This drink is offered to family members, neighbors, and guests, symbolizing refreshment and good health for the coming year.

Pana Sankranti Rituals

The festival’s rituals are a blend of spiritual devotion, traditional customs, and community bonding:

Pana (Sweet Drink): The key element of the festival is the preparation and sharing of Pana. Families prepare large quantities of the drink, which is often served in earthenware pots. The drink is offered to the Sun God as part of the puja, and it is shared with friends, family, and guests as a gesture of goodwill and health.

Prayers to Surya (Sun God): Early in the morning, devotees perform puja (rituals) to Surya, thanking him for the blessings of warmth and light. The rituals are often accompanied by the singing of devotional songs, chanting of mantras, and the offering of flowers and water to the rising sun.

New Harvest Offerings: As Mesh Sankranti also marks the harvest season, people offer a portion of the new crops, especially new rice, to the deities as a symbol of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Traditional Foods of Pana Sankranti

Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with each dish holding symbolic meaning. The festival is rich in sweet and refreshing foods, made from locally available ingredients:

Pana: The star of the celebration, made from tender coconut water, fruits, jaggery, and a mix of spices. It is not only a refreshing drink but also an expression of community spirit.

Chhena Poda: A traditional sweet made from cottage cheese (chhena) and flavored with cardamom, Chhena Poda is a specialty of Odisha and a must-have during the festival.

Pakhala Bhata: Though more commonly associated with Raja Festival, some families may prepare Pakhala, a fermented rice dish, on this day, symbolizing a connection to the earth and good health.

Khiri and Ladu: These sweet offerings are made from rice and jaggery, and they are distributed among friends and neighbors as part of the community sharing.

Cultural Celebrations and Festivities

The day is not just about religious rituals; it is also a time for cultural festivities and social bonding. Traditional dances such as the Chhau dance and Gotipua dance may be performed in some parts of the state, bringing people together to enjoy the vibrancy of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Local fairs or melas often take place, where people can buy handicrafts, enjoy folk music, and celebrate in a festive atmosphere.

Spiritual and Social Dimensions of Mesh Sankranti

While Mesh Sankranti is deeply rooted in agrarian rituals and solar worship, it also serves as an important time for social connections and community welfare:

Exchanging of Pana: The custom of sharing the special pana drink fosters a sense of community unity, where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate.

Visiting Relatives and Friends: Much like other festivals in India, Mesh Sankranti is a time for family reunions and visiting relatives. People exchange gifts, sweets, and wishes, reinforcing bonds of affection and goodwill.

Charitable Acts: Many families use the occasion of Pana Sankranti to make charitable donations of food, clothing, and money to those in need. This tradition of giving is seen as a way of earning blessings for the year ahead.

Conclusion: A Festival of Renewal and Harmony

Mesh Sankranti, or Pana Sankranti, is more than just a harvest festival. It is a celebration of the changing seasons, the renewal of life, and a time to reconnect with nature. It marks the end of the winter and the beginning of the summer, and for the people of Odisha, it is a day of thanksgiving, celebration, and community bonding.

As Odisha celebrates Mesh Sankranti today, on April 14, 2025, it offers a reminder of the ancient rhythms of the land, the importance of gratitude for nature’s gifts, and the spiritual significance of welcoming new beginnings. This festival continues to bring joy, harmony, and hope for a prosperous year ahead, reaffirming the deep-rooted cultural values of Odisha.