Odisha Celebrates Boita Bandana with Maritime Fervour and Cultural Grandeur
Odisha came alive today with vibrant rituals and heartfelt devotion as lakhs of people gathered at rivers, ponds, and coastal shores to celebrate Boita Bandana on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima.
The festival commemorates the maritime legacy of ancient Kalinga, when Odia traders—known as “Sadhabas”—embarked on voyages to Southeast Asia.
From the historic Bindusagar tank in Bhubaneswar to Gadagadia Ghat in Cuttack and the sea beach in Puri, devotees floated miniature boats crafted from banana stems, paper, and thermocol.
These boats, adorned with lamps, flowers, coins, and betel leaves, symbolised prayers for prosperity and safe journeys.
The air resonated with the traditional chant “Aa Ka Ma Boi – Pana Gua Thoi – Masaka Dharama Mora – Boita Bandana Ho!”, evoking memories of Odisha’s seafaring past.
The celebration also marked the beginning of the week-long Bali Yatra in Cuttack, reinforcing the state’s historical trade ties with Bali, Java, Sumatra, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Boita Bandana is more than a ritual—it’s a cultural bridge connecting generations to Odisha’s maritime identity, reminding citizens of the courage, devotion, and global outlook of their ancestors.
