President, PM, CM greet people of Odisha on Odia New year

Bhubaneswar, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people of Odisha on the occasion of 'Odia New Year' and 'Maha Bishuba Sankranti' on Sunday.

Marking the celebration of the Maha Bishuba Sankranti, special rituals are held at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The newly-prepared almanac is read before the sibling deities of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath.

The people observe fast and offer new clothes, 'pana' to the deities at different temples.

The pana is prepared by mixing water, jaggery, yoghurt and spices having cooling properties.

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

The people also observe Jhamu Jatra. The people observing Jhamu are called 'Patua' or holy devotees.

They end the ritual on the day by walking barefoot on burning charcoal as a part of their penance and to express gratitude to the goddess for having fulfilled their wishes.