Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to celebrate its ancient maritime tradition on Friday when thousands will gather near rivers, ponds, and seasides to celebrate the auspicious Boita Bandana festival on Kartika Purnima.
The state govt and local authorities have made elaborate arrangements at major water bodies where people will float miniature boats made of banana stems, paper, and cork.
Chief minister Mohan Majhi will inaugurate the famous Bali Yatra in Cuttack on Friday. The Cuttack district administration has prepared special ghats along the Mahanadi for the celebrations. The civic body has installed additional lighting and deployed safety personnel. Similar preparations are underway in Puri, Ganjam, and other districts where devotees will gather at the beach to sail their boats in water bodies.
“This festival is very unique when we recall the rich maritime history of Odisha when sailors and merchants known as ‘sadhabas’ would start their sea voyages to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and other South-east Asian countries for trade. Women used to bid farewell to the seafarers by lighting lamps and singing the traditional ‘Aa Ka Ma Boi’ song,” said Harapriya Prusty, a homemaker.
Local artisans have been crafting decorative boats in various sizes using eco-friendly materials. Markets are filled with colourful paper boats, while many families maintain the tradition of making boats at home using banana stems.
Cultural programmes highlighting the maritime heritage will be organised at major venues. Schools and colleges are conducting special activities to educate young people about this significant tradition.
On Kartika Purnima, the holy month of Kartika will end during which most Odia people abstain from non-vegetarian food and engage in various religious activities. Special arrangements have been made in Jagannath Temple, Puri, and other temples across the state as a huge throng of devotees is expected to visit temples on the occasion.