Before the World acknowledged, established, and celebrated ‘Earth Day’ in 1970 to raise awareness and protect the Earth’s natural resources, the Maha Bishuba Sankranti or Pana Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the Odia New Year, has been educating, advocating, and practising the ethos of protecting the Earth.

Environmental consciousness is reflected in the rituals and performances associated with this ‘Bishuba Sankranti’ in Odisha, which is celebrated with great devotion and traditional fervour across the state. Does this festival, which is deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and environmentalism, enhance our understanding of tackling increasing climate emergencies?

Celebrated on April 14 every year, it coincides with similar regional new year festivals across India, such as ‘Baisakhi’ in Punjab/ Nepal, ‘Pohela Boishakh’ in West Bengal/ Bangladesh, ‘Vishu’ in Kerala, ‘Bihu’ in Assam, and ‘Tamil Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu.

Moreover, Bishuba Sankranti shares similar New Year festivals with agrarian societies across Southeast Asia, especially in paddy-cultivating regions such as Choul Chnam Thmey (Moha Sangkranta) in Cambodia, Songkran in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar, and Pi Mai in Laos.

How does the Maha Bishuba Sankranti, the name whose etymology can be traced to the Bishuba Rekha, the Equator, reflect the ethos of environmentalism?

Read More : https://indiaverve.com/analysis-and-opinion/ethos-of-environmentalism-of-pana-sankranti-for-climate-emergencies/

Dr Avilash Roul is a Senior Fellow at the Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC), New Delhi. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of IndiaVerve.