ODIA CALENDAR

BAISAKHA (APRIL-MAY)

Baisakha month in the Hindu calendar falls between April and May. It is an important month for Hindus for several reasons.

Pana Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Baisakha. Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti, Mesha Sankranti is the new year celebration for the people of Odisha. The significance of the day is that the new Odia calendar or Panji or Panjika is introduced on this day. Traditionally, Pana Sankranti is Lord Hanuman's birth anniversary and the day is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. On the day of the Pana Sankranti, an earthen pot is filled with a sweet drink which is known as 'Pana'. Then the pot is hung over a Basil (Tulsi) tree. A hole is made at the bottom of the pot to allow the sweet water to fall drop by drop on the Basil tree. A mixture of horse gram flour, banana and curd is offered to the Basil plant. After that, it is consumed by the members of the family. Special offerings are also made to the Gods and Goddesses to begin the new year on a good note.

The third day of Baisakha is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya, which is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that any new venture started on this day will be successful and bring prosperity. This auspicious day also marks the beginning of Chandana Yatra, the summer Festival of Lord Jagannath. This day also marks the beginning of the construction of the chariots for the ceremonial sojourn of the three Deities (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra) to the Gundicha Temple on the day of Car Festival.

Baisakha is a significant month for farmers in Odisha as it marks the beginning of the agricultural season. Many rituals and ceremonies are performed to honor the native land and seek blessings for a rich harvest.

Below we have provided the Odia calendar for April and May months of the year, you can check Sunrise and Sunset times, dates of Purima and Amavasya, all the important dates for marriage, thread ceremony and as well as dates of other festivals

APRIL MONTH ODIA CALENDAR