Boita Bandana, also known as Boita Bandhana or Kartik Purnima, is a traditional festival celebrated mainly in the state of Odisha, India. It commemorates the ancient maritime history and trade connections of Odisha with Southeast Asian countries.
The festival is observed on the day of Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). It typically falls around the time of the end of the monsoon season when rivers are full, making it convenient for people to float small boats or vessels made of banana stems, barks of plantain trees, or paper in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies.
Boita Bandana has its roots in the maritime history of Odisha, which had extensive trade relations with Southeast Asian countries such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and others. Merchants from Odisha used to sail to these regions for trade, especially in spices, textiles, and other commodities. The festival is a way of paying homage to the ancestors who ventured out into the sea for trade and exploration.
The festival serves as a reminder of Odisha’s historical connections with distant lands and civilizations. It celebrates the spirit of adventure, exploration, and cultural exchange that characterized Odisha’s seafaring past, fostering a sense of pride and identity among the people of the state.
During Boita Bandana, people decorate the miniature boats with flowers, incense, and lamps, and sometimes place small earthen lamps or diyas on them. They also offer prayers to seek blessings for prosperity and safe voyages. The festival is accompanied by cultural performances, folk dances, and community gatherings along riverbanks.
Boita Bandana holds cultural significance in Odisha and serves as a reminder of the state’s rich maritime heritage and its historical connections with other parts of the world. It celebrates the spirit of adventure, exploration, and trade that characterized Odisha’s seafaring past. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and solidarity among the people, as they come together to honor their shared history and traditions.
