Pana Sankranti April 14

The festival is celebrated with visits to the temples of Shiva, Shakti or Hanuman. People bathe in rivers or in major pilgrimage centers. Communities attend mela (fairs), take part in traditional dances or acrobatic shows. Festivities and special drinks such as a sweet frozen drink made from mango, milk, yogurt and coconut called pana are shared, a tradition that is partly the origin of this festival's name.

Ghantapatuas are traditional male folk artists of Odisha who perform the art form 'Jhama nata' during Pana Sankranti. They usually perform in a group of two or four wearing dresses that resemble women's clothing.

The danda nata that is performed during this festival celebration is one of the oldest forms of performance art in the region. The opening ritual begins in the middle of Chaitra (March – April). The performers, also known as Dandua, bathe in a village pond and walk/run on hot coals while performing the art. After performing danda nata, they also perform jala danda by immersing themselves in deep water for a short while. These performances symbolize freedom from physical pain.

A notable highlight of the social celebrations is the firewalk, where volunteers sprint across a bed of burning coal while being cheered with music and songs.