Cuttack, Nov 5: The Cuttack district administration marked Kartika Purnima with a unique eco-friendly celebration on Wednesday, floating 20,000 boats made of sal leaves on the Mahanadi River.

The event, held at Gadagadia Ghat around 9 a.m., was inaugurated by Additional District Magistrate Shiv Toppo. Thousands of participants, including students from local schools and colleges as well as members of various voluntary organizations, took part in the mass boat-floating ceremony.

To organize the event, the administration sourced over 20,000 sal leaves from Thakurmunda in Mayurbhanj district. Officials said the initiative aimed not only to uphold tradition but also to promote environmental sustainability and support local groups engaged in eco-friendly, traditional crafts.

The sight of thousands of green boats gently drifting on the Mahanadi created a mesmerizing spectacle, symbolizing both cultural heritage and a commitment to nature conservation.