Bhubaneswar, Apr 14:  Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday extended wishes  to the people of Odisha on the occasion of traditional 'Odia New Year' and ‘Maha Bishuba Sankranti’.

Pradhan took to his official X handle and posted: "I extend best wishes and greetings to all on the occasion of Odian New Year and Maha Bishuba Sankranti. With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, with the mercy of Goddess Samalei, I wish that the Odia New Year brings joy and happiness in all of our lives. Let's resolve to build 'Developed India, Developed Odisha'. Jai Jagannath! Jai Maa Samalai!"

Maha Bishuba Sankranti, also known as Pana Sankranti holds special significance as the traditional New Year festival of the Odia people in Odisha. This auspicious occasion falls on the first day of the solar month of Meṣa in the Odia calendar, corresponding to the lunar month of Baisakha.

Pana Sankranti, a vibrant and cherished festival, is being celebrated with great zeal in Odisha and abroad. It is a time of joy, anticipation, and renewed hope for an abundant harvest season.

The festival is observed in different names in various regions of the state, while it is called ‘Chadak Parva’ in North Odisha, the same is called ‘Danda Nata’ in the southern region of the state.

The day is also observed as the birthday of Lord Hanuman.

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