People across Odisha, young and old alike, thronged rivers, ponds, and other water bodies on Monday to celebrate Kartik Purnima, a festival that symbolises the state’s glorious maritime past. As part of the tradition, devotees floated miniature boats known as ‘Boita Bandana’ to commemorate the ancient trade expeditions once undertaken by Kalinga’s seafarers.
Large gatherings were witnessed at Bindu Sagar tank near Shree Lingaraj Temple and Kuakhai river in Bhubaneswar, at Gadagadia ghat on the Mahanadi river in Cuttack, and at several ponds and ghats across the state. The festival also drew crowds to the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, where the sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra were adorned in their magnificent ‘Raja Rajeswari Bhesa’, or golden attire.
Anticipating a massive turnout, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) kept the temple open throughout Sunday night to facilitate darshan for devotees. Authorities in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack implemented strict security and traffic management measures near major water bodies to ensure smooth celebrations.
Boita Bandana pays tribute to the maritime heritage of ancient Kalinga, when traders known as ‘Sadhabas’ set sail to Southeast Asian islands such as Java, Sumatra, and Bali for trade and cultural exchange. Before their departure, their families would float small boats in water, praying for their safe voyages and successful return.
While traditional boats were once crafted from banana stems and coconut timber, modern devotees often use paper or thermocol boats decorated with lighted lamps, flowers, betel leaves, milk, and coins. The ritual continues to evoke pride and nostalgia for Odisha’s rich maritime legacy.
“I wake up early every Kartik Purnima to visit the Kuakhai river and float miniature boats,” shared Akansha Nanda, a Bhubaneswar resident. “My family still prefers using traditional boats made of banana stems and coconut sticks, it connects us to our roots and reminds us of our ancestors’ seafaring spirit.”
The sight of thousands of flickering lamps on the water against the full moon night once again transformed Odisha’s rivers into glowing reminders of its ancient maritime glory.
