A Full Moon of Faith and Heritage
Every year, as the silver glow of the full moon lights up the sky in the month of Kartika (October–November), the land of Odisha awakens to one of its most cherished traditions, Boita Bandana.
While Kartika Purnima is celebrated across India as a day of spiritual purification and devotion, in Odisha, it holds a unique and deeper meaningm it is a festival that bridges faith and history, spirituality and sea, devotion and discovery.
Kartika, the holiest month in the Odia calendar, is believed to be the time when even the gods descend to the sacred rivers. People observe Habisha Brata, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and culminate their month-long fasting and prayers with the holy Kartika Snana (sacred bath) on the day of Kartika Purnima.
But in Odisha, this day is far more than a ritual, it’s a living chronicle of the state’s maritime glory.
The Legend of the Sadhabas – Odisha’s Sea Voyagers
Centuries ago, long before modern navigation, the brave Sadhabas (Odia merchants and sailors) set sail from the coasts of Odisha, then known as Kalinga.
They sailed through the turbulent waters of the Bay of Bengal, navigating by the stars and winds, reaching faraway lands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
These maritime expeditions were not merely for trade. They were voyages of cultural exchange, diplomacy, and devotion.
The Sadhabas carried with them not only goods like silk, muslin, spices, ivory, and precious stones, but also the light of Indian civilization, art, and spirituality.
Through them, Kalinga’s influence spread across Southeast Asia, leaving behind cultural footprints visible even today in the temples, languages, and rituals of Bali and Java.
Boita Bandana – The Morning of Memories
On Kartika Purnima, before the first rays of dawn, Odia men, women, and children gather at rivers, ponds, and seashores.
They bring with them small handmade boats made of banana bark, cork, or paper — beautifully decorated with diyas (earthen lamps), betel leaves, and flowers.
As they float these tiny boats on the water, they chant the traditional verse:
“Aa Ka Ma Boi, Pana Gua Thoi”
Meaning: “During the months of Ashwin, Kartika, and Margashira, the merchants set sail with betel leaves and areca nuts.”
Each word of this ancient chant echoes the memories of the great maritime era.
The ritual, called Boita Bandana (Boat Worship), is a symbolic reenactment of the farewell given by the wives and families of the Sadhabas as they embarked on their sea voyages.
The diyas on the boats symbolize divine light and the blessings for a safe return.
Bali Yatra – The Grand Celebration of Maritime Glory
In the city of Cuttack, the spirit of Boita Bandana blossoms into one of Asia’s largest open-air fairs — Bali Yatra (Journey to Bali).
Starting on the day of Kartika Purnima and lasting for a week, Bali Yatra transforms the banks of the Mahanadi River into a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s past and present.
Stalls line the riverbanks selling traditional handicrafts, silver filigree work, terracotta, pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, Odia sweets, and local delicacies.
Cultural performances, folk dances, and exhibitions retell the tales of ancient sailors and traders.
In recent years, Bali Yatra has become more than a fair,it is a cultural pilgrimage, a reminder of Odisha’s maritime legacy and global identity.
The Spiritual Depth of Kartika Purnima in Odisha
- A Month of Holiness:
The entire month of Kartika is regarded as sacred in Odisha. Many devotees observe vegetarianism, take daily dips in holy rivers, and worship Lord Jagannath, Lord Vishnu, and Tulasi Devi.
The culmination on Kartika Purnima symbolizes the victory of light, purity, and truth. - A Ritual of Gratitude:
Boita Bandana is not just nostalgia , it is gratitude.
Odias remember their ancestors who carried the legacy of courage, trade, and cultural expansion beyond borders. - A Symbol of Unity:
The festival brings people from all walks of life together — from rural villages to modern cities. It reinforces the idea that faith, culture, and community are intertwined. - Harmony of Devotion and Heritage:
Kartika Purnima embodies a perfect harmony between spiritual devotion (Kartika Snana, Tulasi Puja) and cultural pride (Boita Bandana, Bali Yatra).
The Deeper Meaning of the Floating Boat
The small boats of Boita Bandana are more than symbols of ancient voyages,they are metaphors for human life.
Each boat, with its flickering diya, represents the soul embarking on the journey of existence across the vast ocean of time.
The water symbolizes destiny, the wind opportunity, and the light faith.
By setting these boats afloat, every Odia silently prays:
“May my journey be guided by truth, may my spirit never lose its light.”
Echoes of Kalinga – A Living Legacy
Odisha’s connection with the sea has always been profound.
From the ancient port of Tamralipta to Chandabali, Palur, and Manikapatna, the coastline of Odisha has witnessed countless stories of departure and return.
Even today, archaeological excavations at Manikapatna (near Chilika Lake) and Palur (near Gopalpur) reveal artefacts that confirm Odisha’s historical maritime connections with Southeast Asia.
Through Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana, this history continues to live not in museums, but in the hearts of Odia people.