Odisha came alive on the auspicious occasion of Kartika Purnima, as the state observed the traditional Boita Bandana rituals, a tribute to its rich maritime past. The festival, celebrated at the conclusion of the holy month of Kartika, saw devotees gathering before dawn at various water bodies to perform symbolic boat-sailing ceremonies. The term “Boita Bandana” echoes the era of the Sadhabas—the maritime merchants of Kalinga—who set sail across the Indian Ocean to distant lands like Bali, Java, and Sumatra. This annual ritual commemorates their voyages and Odisha’s historic role in fostering trade and cultural exchange
On this day, people set afloat miniature boats made of banana stems and banyan leaves, adorned with symbolic offerings such as flowers, coins, Kaudis (cowries), Pana (betel leaves), Guā (betel nuts), and lighted lamps. Chanting the traditional lines “Aa ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi Pana Gua Tora, Masaka Dharama Mora,” devotees relive the memories of Odisha’s seafaring history. The festival begins with a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or lakes, signifying purification and devotion. Devotees also thronged temples, including the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, to witness the Rajadhiraja Besha of the sibling deities. In cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, large congregations gathered at Bindu Sagar tank and Gadagadia Ghat, respectively, to partake in these sacred traditions.
Interestingly, Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival bears a striking resemblance to Odisha’s Boita Bandana. In Thailand, people float lotus-shaped rafts decorated with candles, incense, and flowers on water bodies as a thanksgiving ritual to the Water Goddess. Similar to Odisha’s customs, the festival marks the end of the harvest season, an apology for polluting water bodies, and a prayer for blessings and luck.
Apart from commemorating the maritime legacy, Boita Bandana symbolizes gratitude for an abundant harvest, forgiveness, and renewal of relationships. The lighted lamps represent hope and prosperity. Devotees believe that if the lamp on their boat remains lit until it drifts out of sight, they are blessed with good fortune for the year ahead.
Major celebrations took place in Puri, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar, drawing thousands of devotees to prominent water bodies. The day also witnessed cultural events and rituals that reinforced Odisha’s vibrant traditions and its enduring connection to its maritime heritage.
Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana are not just rituals but a celebration of Odisha’s historic identity, fostering cultural pride and global connections. The festival serves as a reminder of the state’s glorious past while inspiring generations to embrace values of gratitude, forgiveness, and hope.
Odisha came alive on the auspicious occasion of Kartika Purnima, as the state observed the traditional Boita Bandana rituals, a tribute to its rich maritime past. The festival, celebrated at the conclusion of the holy month of Kartika, saw devotees gathering before dawn at various water bodies to perform symbolic boat-sailing ceremonies. The term “Boita Bandana” echoes the era of the Sadhabas—the maritime merchants of Kalinga—who set sail across the Indian Ocean to distant lands like Bali, Java, and Sumatra. This annual ritual commemorates their voyages and Odisha’s historic role in fostering trade and cultural exchange
On this day, people set afloat miniature boats made of banana stems and banyan leaves, adorned with symbolic offerings such as flowers, coins, Kaudis (cowries), Pana (betel leaves), Guā (betel nuts), and lighted lamps. Chanting the traditional lines “Aa ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi Pana Gua Tora, Masaka Dharama Mora,” devotees relive the memories of Odisha’s seafaring history. The festival begins with a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or lakes, signifying purification and devotion. Devotees also thronged temples, including the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, to witness the Rajadhiraja Besha of the sibling deities. In cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, large congregations gathered at Bindu Sagar tank and Gadagadia Ghat, respectively, to partake in these sacred traditions.
Interestingly, Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival bears a striking resemblance to Odisha’s Boita Bandana. In Thailand, people float lotus-shaped rafts decorated with candles, incense, and flowers on water bodies as a thanksgiving ritual to the Water Goddess. Similar to Odisha’s customs, the festival marks the end of the harvest season, an apology for polluting water bodies, and a prayer for blessings and luck.
Apart from commemorating the maritime legacy, Boita Bandana symbolizes gratitude for an abundant harvest, forgiveness, and renewal of relationships. The lighted lamps represent hope and prosperity. Devotees believe that if the lamp on their boat remains lit until it drifts out of sight, they are blessed with good fortune for the year ahead.
Major celebrations took place in Puri, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar, drawing thousands of devotees to prominent water bodies. The day also witnessed cultural events and rituals that reinforced Odisha’s vibrant traditions and its enduring connection to its maritime heritage.
Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana are not just rituals but a celebration of Odisha’s historic identity, fostering cultural pride and global connections. The festival serves as a reminder of the state’s glorious past while inspiring generations to embrace values of gratitude, forgiveness, and hope.
