Pana is a traditional Odia summer drink that has been enjoyed for generations for its cooling, nourishing, and refreshing qualities. Deeply connected to Pana Sankranti (Maha Bisubha Sankranti), the Odia New Year, this wholesome beverage is offered to deities before being shared with family and the community.
Made with fruits, jaggery, dairy, coconut, and aromatic spices, Pana is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of health, hospitality, and seasonal balance.
What Makes Pana a Traditional Summer Superdrink?
Pana is typically prepared using water or coconut water, jaggery or sugar, fruits like wood apple (bel), banana, mango, apple, grapes, or pomegranate, along with milk, curd, chhena (paneer), grated coconut, and spices such as black pepper, ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg.
Some regional recipes also include sattu for added nourishment. Popular varieties include Bela Pana, Chhena Pana, and Mixed Fruit Pana, each offering a unique taste and texture.
Why Pana Carries Cultural and Seasonal Importance
In Odisha, Pana is inseparable from Pana Sankranti, symbolizing seasonal renewal, gratitude, nourishment, and community bonding. Traditionally prepared during the peak of summer, it is valued as a festive offering that helps people stay refreshed during the hot season while preserving centuries-old culinary traditions.
Pana Drink Benefits for Hydration, Energy, and Digestion
Pana is traditionally appreciated for helping the body stay cool and energized during summer by combining hydrating and nourishing ingredients.
- Helps combat summer heat and supports hydration.
- Provides quick energy from jaggery, fruits, and sometimes sattu.
- Supports digestive comfort, especially when prepared with bel, curd, and black pepper.
- Offers nourishment through milk, curd, chhena, coconut, and fruits.
- Acts as a refreshing summer tonic that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
- Strengthens the spirit of sharing and festive celebrations.
Pana Drink Ingredients and Their Traditional Roles
Bael fruit (wood apple) is valued for cooling and digestive support, while banana adds natural sweetness and thickness. Mango, grapes, apple, and pomegranate contribute vitamins and a refreshing flavor.
Coconut and coconut water enhance hydration, whereas black pepper, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg improve aroma and traditionally aid digestion. Dairy ingredients like milk, curd, and chhena make the drink more filling and nutritious.
Taste, Popular Pana Types, and Simple Preparation
Pana is usually thick, sweet, cooling, and satisfying, with richer versions almost resembling a light meal. A simple homemade version can be prepared by mixing mashed banana or bel pulp, jaggery, curd or milk, grated coconut, cardamom, a pinch of black pepper, and water until the desired consistency is reached.
Best Way to Enjoy Pana
Lighter versions made with bel, water, jaggery, and pepper are generally easier to digest during very hot weather. Richer recipes containing milk, curd, and chhena are best enjoyed in moderation.
Prepare a refreshing glass of traditional Pana this summer to stay naturally cool, hydrated, and energized while experiencing one of Odisha’s most cherished seasonal traditions.
Feature Image Credit: AI-generated image created with Google Gemini, September 04, 2026.