Bhubaneswar, April 14 -- It is a moment of pride for the people of Odisha as Odias across the state celebrateOdia New Year with religious fervour. The day is celebrated as Pana Sankranti and marks the beginning of Odia New Year.Also celebrated as Maha Vishuba Sankranti or Mesha Sankranti, this festival falls on the first day of the traditional Hindu solar calendar month of Mesha.

As per the Hindu calendar, this day usually falls on April 13 or 14 each year. The auspicious Maha Vishuba Sankranti is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Hanuman. To celebrate the day, people in Odisha throngtemples and bathein the holy water. On this holy day, temples across the state witness a huge influx of devotees.

Braving the scorching heat and humi...