President Ram Nath Kovind,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday greeted people of Odisha on the occasion of the Odia New Year which was being observed sans fanfare due to the ongoing lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
As religious places were closed during the lockdown, people were celebrating the day by staying indoors and maintaining social distancing.
'Maha Vishuba Sankranti', also known as 'Pana Sankranti', is celebrated as the traditional New Year day by Hindus in Odisha. 'Pana Sankranti' is also believed to be the birthday of Lord Hanuman.
Greeting the people of Odisha on the occasion, the president in a message wished them happiness, peace and prosperity in the coming year.
The prime minister also greeted them in both Odia and English through his twitter handle.
"Happy #OdiaNewYear and Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. May the coming year bring happiness and good health in everyones lives," Modi tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a message wished the people of Odisha good health and happiness. Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, also greeted the people.
In his message, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal said, the day should mark the beginning of victory against coronavirus.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also wished people on the occasion and prayed that people of the state get strength to fight coronavirus with firmness and keep every life safe and secure.
BJP national vice-president and former MP Baijayant Panda in a twitter post said, "Greetings & best wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of #OdiaNewYear & Maha Bishuba #PanaSankranti & also #Vaishakhi #PoilaBoishakh #BohagBihu #vishu #Puthandu. May this new year bring happiness & prosperity for all. I pray for everyones good health.
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