PM Modi Greets Nation On Puthandu, Maha Bishuba Sankranti, Baisakhi; Prays For Peace And Prosperity Of All

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended warm greetings to people across the country on the auspicious occasion of Puthandu, Pana Sankranti and Baisakhi.

Greeting people on Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, PM Modi wished for happiness, success and good health. He said this special day reflects renewal, hope and new beginnings, while also celebrating the richness of Tamil culture, including its literature, music, art and philosophy. "Its rich heritage of literature, music, art, philosophy and devotion continues to inspire people across the world. May this special day further the spirit of togetherness in our society. Inspired by the great Tamil culture, may we attain new heights of success and also deepen our connect with nature," the PM said.

Wishing Odia people in Odisha and across the world on the occasion of Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti which marks the Odia New Year, the Prime Minister highlighted the values of devotion, harmony and seasonal renewal associated with the festival. He said it reflects the rich traditions of Odisha and wished for a year filled with opportunities and success.

"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," PM Modi said.

Pana Sankranti is being celebrated with great joy and devotion across Odisha today. The festival holds special significance for Odias, as it marks the start of the new calendar year. People across the state are celebrating the special day with traditional rituals, festive food and cultural activities. As per tradition, a special drink called 'pana' is prepared in every household on this occasion. The day also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, adding to the festive fervour.

Extending greetings on Baisakhi, PM Modi said the vibrant festival symbolises gratitude, renewal and hope. He praised farmers for their hard work and contribution to feeding the nation. He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the day, noting that it marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. He said the teachings of Sikh Gurus continue to inspire efforts towards building a better society.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Baisakhi carries deep spiritual significance, marking the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The teachings of the revered Sikh Gurus continue to inspire us all in the collective effort to build a better society. May this festival bring happiness, prosperity and fresh energy in everyone's lives."

Big New Year Celebrations In Odisha

Happy New Year wishes floated across Odisha as people ushered in the Odia New Year on Pana Sankranti today. Usually celebrated in accordance with the date of Sankranti, also called Maha Bisubha Sankranti, the occasion falls on April 13 or 14 annually, marking the first day of the traditional solar month of Baisakha. It signifies the start of the new year, a day when the new almanac (Panjika) comes into force for a period of one year. The day is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti.

The day begins with prayers to the Sun God as it transits into the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, signifying new beginnings and a fresh agricultural cycle. Devotees make a beeline to temples to offer prayers, while many take a holy dip in rivers or ponds, offering water to the Sun God early in the morning. As an important ritual, ‘pana’, meaning a cool drink made of wood apple or prepared with water, dahi, jaggery, coconut, and fruits, is first offered near the Tulsi tree and to the Sun God.

As every occasion in the Odia calendar is linked to seasonal changes, movement of the planets and has tremendous significance in day-to-day life, it is believed that when the sun is at its harshest and hottest phase, it becomes too difficult for trees and plants. So, a pot ("Basundhara Theki") is hung over the Tulsi plant, which is filled with water every day to keep the soil wet and cool through the days. This astronomical event, known as Maha Bishuba Sankranti, signifies the solar transition into the northern hemisphere and the onset of the summer season.

Since the day marks the beginning of the new calendar year every Odia celebrates this day with great joy and enthusiasm. People meet and greet each other besides exchanging sweets. Evenings are usually marked by cultural programmes on the occasion. The Commissionerate Police is on alert to maintain law and order during this time.

On the occasion, temples across the Capital city Bhubaneswar witnessed devotees waiting for their turn to get inside and offer prayers.

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