Embarking on a sea voyage is always an adventure, reminiscent of the golden ages where sailors resembled iconic figures portrayed in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Odisha holds a golden chapter in history, recounting the journeys of sailors navigating tumultuous waves for prosperous trade.
Forging Relations with Neighbors:
Odisha’s maritime legacy dates back to the 7th century B.C. as ancient Kalinga. Ports like Tamralipti, Palur, and Sonapur, and Kalingapatna were vital trade hubs.
Archaeological excavations unearthed Roman pottery, coins, and artifacts from sites like Sisupalgarh, indicating trade connections with Rome.
Similarly, links from Manikapatna, Brahmavana, and Khalkatapatna to Bali, Malaysia, and Java establish India’s historic trade connections overseas. Discoveries of ancient relics such as porcelain, ceramics, and Arabic stone attest to India’s commercial ties with China and Arab nations.
Bali Yatra: A Fare Filled With Enthusiasm:
Annually during the sacred month of Kartik, the auspicious Kartika Purnima celebration takes center stage. The festivities bring out great excitement among the people of Odisha who wait for Asia’s largest open fair Bali Yatra. This week long historical event showcases tantalizing culinary experiences from the nooks and corners of the state besides presenting opportunities to acquire ethnic handlooms and handicrafts.
Handloom exhibits showcase Sambalpuri, Bomkai, besides various other remarkable weaves from Odisha. Whereas Odissi handicrafts include woodwork, horn work products, appliqué crafts, metal crafts etc.
Boita Bandana: Paying Homage To Ancestors:
Kartik Purnima commemorates age-old voyages. It is a day to pay homage to ancestors who navigated adversities to promote trade with various countries in the ancient times.
On this day people gather in huge numbers near ponds, rivers, and water bodies to launch miniature boats, loaded with symbolic items representing historical imports and exports like coins, betel leaves, flowers, milk and crackers. Devotees also partake in a sacred dip with the faith that their souls will be purified of negativities.
Odisha and Bali: Tracing the bond through the centuries
While our ancestors sailed across the borders to trade, they also carried with them our culture and heritage, thus spreading it beyond the boundaries. One such place is Bali in Indonesia. When it comes to culture, tradition, and heritage, there are a lot of similarities between Bali and Odisha. Take for example, food habits, forms of worship, and religious practices.
Sajana saga, a common dish savored by the people of Odisha, is also consumed by the people of Bali. Similarly, Manda Pitha and Enduri Pitha, some of the delectable dishes of Odisha is widely consumed in Bali.
Treating the guests with betel leaf and nut. The people of Bali too follow the same tradition. During auspicious occasions like marriage, the people of Bali send invitation to their family members with Betel leaves and nuts, which is an age-old practice in coastal Odisha.
There are a number of common points that strengthens our bond with Bali, reminding us of the everlasting legacy left behind by our ancestors.
Conviction To Make Bali Yatra 2023 Grand:
Bali Yatra transforms into a bustling carnival annually, attracting visitors and yielding substantial profits.The festival, celebrating Odisha’s maritime legacy, fosters cultural pride. This year let’s pledge to make Bali Yatra 2023 more memorable and successful.
Share Your Experience:
Share your Bali Yatra experience in the comment box and let us know your feelings about this celebration of Odisha’s rich maritime heritage.
Embarking on a sea voyage is always an adventure, reminiscent of the golden ages where sailors resembled iconic figures portrayed in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Odisha holds a golden chapter in history, recounting the journeys of sailors navigating tumultuous waves for prosperous trade.
