New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti on Tuesday, wishing that the spirit of togetherness deepens further in society.

Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti is Odisha’s traditional New Year, celebrated on April 14 with pana drinks, rituals, and family gatherings marking the solar calendar’s start.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Warm greetings on the sacred occasion of Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. This special occasion reflects the values of devotion, harmony and seasonal renewal. It reflects the rich traditions of Odisha.”

“I pray for a year that is filled with unlimited opportunities and successes. May this auspicious day bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all. May this festival also deepen the spirit of togetherness and strengthen the bonds that bind our society,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also took to social media and extended greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion.

“On this sacred occasion of Odia New Year and Maha Bishuba Sankranti, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all,” CM Majhi said in a post on X.

“May this new year fill your lives with happiness, peace, and prosperity, and may it imbue us with renewed strength to further honour our culture and Odia identity on the global stage,” he added.

Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti celebrates seasonal renewal (the onset of summer), agricultural cycles, devotion, and community harmony. It also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti in the Odia tradition.

Wishing people on Hanuman Jayanti, the Odisha CM said, “My heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion of Sacred Hanuman Jayanti. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness, prosperity, and peace through the boundless compassion of the crisis-averting Lord Sri Hanuman. I pray for the well-being of all at the feet of the Great Hero. Jai Hanuman!”

–IANS

sd/