Pana Sankranti
Odia New Year — sun crosses into Aries (Mesha).
Gregorian date
14 April 2026
Tuesday
Tithi
Sun enters Aries (solar — not lunar tithi)
Vaishakha (April – May)
Duration
single-day
Regional emphasis
Odisha
Also known as
Maha Vishuva Sankranti · Odia New Year · Mesha Sankranti
Significance
Marks the sun's transition into Aries (Mesha Rashi) — the Odia / Maha Vishuva New Year. Falls on April 14 every year. Devotees offer pana (sweetened cooled water with fruits and milk) at temples and to elders.
What happens on the day
- •Offer pana (sweet cooling drink) at Hanuman / Shiva temples
- •Visit family elders for blessings
- •Tulsi-leaf rituals at home
- •New-year sankalpa
- •Cool the murti (idol) with hanging earthen pot dripping water (Jali-Jhulan)
Auspicious for
- ✓New ventures
- ✓Property purchase
- ✓Naming ceremonies
About the month of Vaishakhaवैशाख
Sacred to Vishnu. Hosts Akshaya Tritiya (an unending-prosperity day) and Buddha Purnima. Considered an auspicious month for weddings.
More festivals in Vaishakha
Bohag Bihu
14 April 2026 · Sun enters Aries (solar — Mesha Sankranti)
Assamese New Year — 7 days of Bihu dance, husori, and the start of spring.
Vishu
14 April 2026 · Sun enters Aries (solar — Mesha Sankranti)
Kerala New Year — Vishukkani at first sight, kaineetam coins for blessings.
Puthandu
14 April 2026 · Sun enters Aries (solar — Mesha Sankranti)
Tamil New Year — Maangai-Pachadi at sunrise.
Pohela Boishakh
15 April 2026 · Sun enters Aries (solar — Mesha Sankranti)
Bengali New Year — Halkhata, sweets, and the start of Bangabda.