Bhubaneswar, Jan. 14 -- The sacred festival of Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across the country, including Odisha, on Wednesday, marking an important transition in the Hindu calendar.

Major temples across Odisha have witnessed increased activity, with special rituals underway at the Puri Srimandir. As part of the celebrations, Makar rice, brought by Maa Lakshmi from the Srimandir, is set to be offered to the presiding deity.

As part of traditional rituals, a largest paan will be offered to Lord Jagannath at the 12th century shrine, and preparations for the offering are underway.

Somnath Panda, Hadapanayak Sevayat said, "Three to four of us will be engaged in washing and preparing the paan (betel leaves), elaichi and other require...