The festival of Maha Bisubha Sankranti, also called Pana Sankranti, ushers in the solar month of Mesha in the conventional Hindu calendar. In some regions of India, especially in Odisha, it marks the beginning of a new year and often occurs on April 14. The holiday is observed with considerable zest and devotion. Maha Bisubha Sankranti customs include bathing in sacred rivers, offering special prayers to the Sun God, and doing puja to Lord Jagannath.
