Odia Calendar 2024 April

As someone who has grown up in Odisha, I have always been fascinated by our rich culture and traditions. One of the most important aspects of our culture is our calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience and insights about the Odia Calendar for the month of April in the year 2024. I hope that this article will help you gain a better understanding of our traditions and encourage you to explore more about our culture.

The Odia Calendar

The Odia Calendar is based on the Lunar cycle, and it has been in use in Odisha for centuries. The calendar is divided into 12 months, and each month is named after a particular constellation. The month of April is called “Baisakh” in the Odia Calendar, and it is the first month of the year.

Events and Festivals in Odia Calendar 2024 April

April is a month of festivities in Odisha, and there are several important events and festivals that are celebrated during this time. Some of the most important festivals that are celebrated in April are:

• Pana Sankranti: This festival marks the beginning of the Odia New Year, and it is celebrated on the first day of Baisakh. On this day, people drink a special drink called “Pana” which is made with various ingredients like jaggery, water, and spices.
• Maha Vishuba Sankranti: This festival is celebrated on the 14th of April, and it marks the beginning of the solar year. On this day, people take a bath and wear new clothes to welcome the New Year.
• Akshaya Tritiya: This festival is celebrated on the third day of Baisakh, and it is considered to be an auspicious day for starting new ventures or buying gold.
• Chandana Yatra: This festival is celebrated in the month of Baisakh, and it involves a procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on chariots. The idols are taken to the Narendra Tank, and they are bathed with water that has been scented with sandalwood.

Celebrations and Traditions

During the month of April, people in Odisha celebrate these festivals with great enthusiasm and joy. They prepare special dishes like “Pana” and “Mahaprasad” to offer to the deities, and they also decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli. People also visit temples and seek blessings from the deities.

On the day of Maha Vishuba Sankranti, people take a bath in holy rivers like the Mahanadi or the Vaitarani and offer prayers to the Sun God. They also prepare a special dish called “Pakhala” which is made with rice and water and is served with various side dishes.

During the Chandana Yatra festival, people decorate the chariots with flowers and take them on a procession. They also offer prayers to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings.

Question and Answer

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Odia Calendar for the month of April:

Q: What is the significance of the Odia New Year?

A: The Odia New Year is considered to be an auspicious time for starting new ventures and seeking blessings from the deities. It is also a time for renewing relationships and strengthening bonds with family and friends.

Q: What is the significance of the Pana drink?

A: The Pana drink is considered to be a symbol of new beginnings and renewal. It is believed that drinking Pana on the day of Pana Sankranti helps to purify the body and mind, and it brings good luck and prosperity.

Q: What is the significance of the Chandana Yatra festival?

A: The Chandana Yatra festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the construction of the chariots for the Rath Yatra festival. It is also a time for seeking blessings from Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

Conclusion

The Odia Calendar is an integral part of our culture, and it reflects our rich traditions and customs. The month of April is a time for celebration and renewal, and it is marked by important festivals like Pana Sankranti, Maha Vishuba Sankranti, Akshaya Tritiya, and Chandana Yatra. I hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of our traditions and has inspired you to learn more about our culture.