Kalinga, the erstwhile magnificent kingdom of Odisha, had a rich maritime history with many countries. The Odia merchants were master seafarers known as Sadhabas who sailed in huge boats called Boitas to conduct business in places such as Bali, Sumatra, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. The expeditions would traditionally set off on the day of Kartika Purnima, the full moon day in November. Kartika month is considered to be the most auspicious and sacred month in the traditional Odia calendar.
Sacred Month of Kartika Purnima
During this month, all the religious Hindus abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food (fish, meat or egg). Every day they eat only once in the afternoon which is known as ‘ Habisa-anna ’. The last five days of this holy Kartika month, which is considered to be the most sacred, are jointly known as ‘Panchuka’. The last day of Panchuka is known as Kartika Purnima.
The Meaning & Significance Behind – “Aa Kaa Ma Boi” Song
Before the merchants left for their arduous sea voyage, the womenfolk would purify the sailing vessels with betel leaves, flowers and areca nuts singing “Aa Kaa Ma Boi – Paana Gua Thoi – Paana Gua Tora – Maasaka Dharama Mora” for the well-being and safe passage of the “Sadhabas”. “Aa Kaa Maa Boi” refers to the first three months of the voyage – Aashwina, Kartika and Margasira; and the last month for the return voyage – Baisakha. After the ritual, firecrackers are lit to protect against any evil forces that may obstruct the journey of the “sadhabas”.
Boita Bandana Festival in Present Day
To keep the memories alive and glorify Odisha’s maritime history, Odias have been celebrating the Boita Bandana Festival every year on the day of Kartika Purnima. People of all age groups wake up early, bathe and visit temples in traditional attires. It is believed that those who take a dip in water and visit the temple on that auspicious day, will get absolution from their sins and attain salvation. On Kartika Purnima day people throng to nearby water bodies to set afloat boats made of Paper and Banana stem filled with diyas, flowers, beetle leaves (paan), milk, supari and coins.
Festivity Restrictions in 2021
This year, Kartik Purnima falls on the 19th of November, 2021. Since Bhubaneswar continues to have a high daily infection count of COVID-19, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put forth necessary restrictions on the congregation of Kartika Brata ‘habishyalis’ in temples during the month of Kartika. No worshippers will be allowed at Bindu Sagar, river ghats and other water bodies on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana. This news has resulted in disappointment among the devotees. However, we wish the situation gets better in the coming days and Kartika Purnima gets celebrated with the same fervour and glory the next year. Odia Samaj wishes every Odia a sweet & safe Kartika Purnima!
Kalinga, the erstwhile magnificent kingdom of Odisha, had a rich maritime history with many countries. The Odia merchants were master seafarers known as Sadhabas who sailed in huge boats called Boitas to conduct business in places such as Bali, Sumatra, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. The expeditions would traditionally set off on the day of Kartika Purnima, the full moon day in November. Kartika month is considered to be the most auspicious and sacred month in the traditional Odia calendar.
Sacred Month of Kartika Purnima
During this month, all the religious Hindus abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food (fish, meat or egg). Every day they eat only once in the afternoon which is known as ‘ Habisa-anna ’. The last five days of this holy Kartika month, which is considered to be the most sacred, are jointly known as ‘Panchuka’. The last day of Panchuka is known as Kartika Purnima.
The Meaning & Significance Behind – “Aa Kaa Ma Boi” Song
Before the merchants left for their arduous sea voyage, the womenfolk would purify the sailing vessels with betel leaves, flowers and areca nuts singing “Aa Kaa Ma Boi – Paana Gua Thoi – Paana Gua Tora – Maasaka Dharama Mora” for the well-being and safe passage of the “Sadhabas”. “Aa Kaa Maa Boi” refers to the first three months of the voyage – Aashwina, Kartika and Margasira; and the last month for the return voyage – Baisakha. After the ritual, firecrackers are lit to protect against any evil forces that may obstruct the journey of the “sadhabas”.
Boita Bandana Festival in Present Day
To keep the memories alive and glorify Odisha’s maritime history, Odias have been celebrating the Boita Bandana Festival every year on the day of Kartika Purnima. People of all age groups wake up early, bathe and visit temples in traditional attires. It is believed that those who take a dip in water and visit the temple on that auspicious day, will get absolution from their sins and attain salvation. On Kartika Purnima day people throng to nearby water bodies to set afloat boats made of Paper and Banana stem filled with diyas, flowers, beetle leaves (paan), milk, supari and coins.
Festivity Restrictions in 2021
This year, Kartik Purnima falls on the 19th of November, 2021. Since Bhubaneswar continues to have a high daily infection count of COVID-19, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put forth necessary restrictions on the congregation of Kartika Brata ‘habishyalis’ in temples during the month of Kartika. No worshippers will be allowed at Bindu Sagar, river ghats and other water bodies on the occasion of Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana. This news has resulted in disappointment among the devotees. However, we wish the situation gets better in the coming days and Kartika Purnima gets celebrated with the same fervour and glory the next year. Odia Samaj wishes every Odia a sweet & safe Kartika Purnima!
