Odisha celebrates 'Maha Bisuba Sankranti'

Bhubaneswar, April 14: Odia New Year, also known as Maha Bisuba Sankranti or Pana Sankranti, is being celebrated on Saturday across the state. The new Odia almanac comes into effect on this day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people on the occasion.

"To all my Odia friends across the world, greetings on Maha Vishuba Sankranti! Have a wonderful year ahead. We take immense pride in the rich Odia culture," tweeted the Prime Minister.

Patnaik tweeted on his micro-blogging site: "I wish you all on the occasion of auspicious Bisuba Sankranti and Odia New Year. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may the New Year bring happiness and prosperity for all of us."

People across Odisha thronged various temples. Special rituals were conducted at the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The day is also celebrated as the Birth Anniversary of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Chalisha reading has been organised at several temples.

People marked the day by drinking "pana" or a traditional sweet-sour drink made with raw mango and sugar. It was served to devotees by temple trusts at various places.