On the auspicious festival of Kartik Purnima, Odisha is filled with festive fervour. The ancient Boita Bandana ceremony, a symbolic homage to the state's illustrious maritime past, was performed by devotees.
Devotees gathered early in the morning at rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water to launch little boats made of banana bark that were decorated with areca nuts, lamps, incense, and betel leaves.
The state was filled with devotional chants of "Aa Ka Ma Bai, Paan Gua Thoi, Paan Gua Tora, Maasa Kara Dharma Mora."
Thousands of people gave prayers and carried out the customary rite after taking a holy plunge at prominent locations like Puri beach, Chandrabhaga coast, Bhubaneswar's Bindusagar pond, and Cuttack's Gadagadia ghat.

Legend has it that on this day in the past, Odia sailors known as Sadhabas set off for lengthy sea journeys to trade Java, Sumatra, and Bali. Sadhabanis, their wives, would pray for them safety and prosperity as they said goodbye.
During Kartik Purnima, floating boats are therefore regarded as a way to honour and remember Odisha's historic maritime heritage.
The day also signifies the end of the sacred Kartik month, which is considered the Odia calendar's most sacred time. According to believers, carrying out the Boita Bandana ceremony bestows spiritual merit, good fortune, and peace.
The people of Odisha celebrated the occasion with grandeur and solidarity, full of devotion and cultural pride.

Wishes Come in
"Heartfelt greetings and congratulations on the sacred Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana festival, which reflect Odisha's unique art, commerce, and culture," Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the governor of Odisha, tweeted.
On the auspicious occasion of the holy Kartik Purnima and the Boita Bandana festival, BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda wished everyone well.

Today, on this holy day, is a representation of the maritime tradition, magnificent culture, and glorious heritage of Odisha. "May everyone experience prosperity through the grace of Lord Sri Jagannath," Panda tweeted.
In a similar vein, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted, "Heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious occasion of the sacred 'Kartika Purnima and Boita Bandana'."