Bhubaneswar, Nov 15: The banks of rivers and ponds across Odisha buzzed with activity on Friday as lakhs of devotees gathered to celebrate Kartik Purnima, marking the historic Boita Bandana ritual. With the rhythmic chanting of the ancient verse, “Aa ka ma bhai, pana gua khai,” people of all ages thronged water bodies to float miniature boats, a tradition symbolizing Odisha’s glorious maritime past.

At Bindusagar in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town, devotees floated tiny boats crafted from banana leaf sheaths, paper, leaves, and thermocol, decorated with lamps, flowers, and incense sticks. These offerings, a tribute to the maritime bravery of ancient Kalinga traders, commemorate their voyages to Southeast Asian regions like Bali, Sumatra, and Java. The celebration reinforces Odisha’s deep connection to its cultural and historical roots.

In Cuttack, vibrant festivities unfolded at Gadagadia Ghat on the Mahanadi and Debi Ghat on the Kathjodi river, where thousands participated in Boita Bandana. The ritual also heralded the start of the grand Baliyatra, a seven-day cultural and trade fair that showcases Odisha’s marine legacy and vibrant traditions.

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