On November 15th each year, the coastal state of Odisha in India observes a unique and culturally significant festival, Kartika Poornima, which coincides with the celebration of Boita Bandana. This vibrant and colorful event marks a time of reflection on Odisha’s rich maritime heritage and its historical role as a maritime power in ancient India. As a fusion of spiritual reverence and cultural festivities, Kartika Poornima and Boita Bandana not only highlight the state’s historical significance in trade and exploration but also connect the people of Odisha to their ancient seafaring past.
The Spiritual Significance of Kartika Poornima
Kartika Poornima, falling on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika (which typically corresponds to November), holds special significance in many parts of India. It is a day when devotees observe fasting, perform religious rituals, and honor deities. In Odisha, Kartika Poornima is traditionally linked to Lord Shiva and is considered an auspicious occasion for bathing in sacred rivers, offering prayers, and seeking blessings for prosperity.
However, in Odisha, the day is also celebrated as the Boita Bandana festival, which is much more than a religious observance—it is a nostalgic reminder of Odisha’s historic seafaring traditions and its once-thriving maritime trade routes that spanned the Bay of Bengal and beyond.
The Legend of Boita Bandana
Boita Bandana, literally translating to “Ship Worship,” is rooted in the ancient maritime history of Odisha. The festival commemorates the great naval expeditions undertaken by the people of Odisha, particularly from the coastal city of Puri, during the time of the Kalinga Empire (circa 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE). It is believed that the people of Odisha used to embark on long maritime voyages to distant lands such as Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and the Arabian Peninsula, trading goods like spices, textiles, and precious stones.
According to legend, the Odia seafarers would set sail during the month of Kartika, when the weather conditions were favorable for navigation. On the night of Kartika Poornima, people would float small paper boats (called boitas) on rivers, lakes, or the sea, as a symbolic gesture of sending off these seafaring ancestors on their journeys. This act was meant to pay homage to the maritime explorers who contributed to the prosperity of the region through their maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
In essence, Boita Bandana is not only a celebration of Odisha’s seafaring legacy but also a way for the people to express gratitude to their ancestors for their pioneering spirit, which brought prosperity and cultural exchange to the region.
Danga Bhasa: The Language of the Sea
An interesting aspect of Odisha’s maritime history is the linguistic and cultural exchange that took place between the Odia people and the various maritime communities they interacted with. One such example is Danga Bhasa (meaning “Language of the Sea”), a unique coastal dialect that developed among seafarers and traders along Odisha’s coastline. Danga Bhasa, often used for communication among sailors and merchants engaged in long-distance trade, incorporated elements from different languages—such as Sanskrit, Pali, and languages from Southeast Asia—reflecting the region’s extensive maritime connections.
While Danga Bhasa is no longer in active use, it remains a symbol of Odisha’s vibrant cultural and commercial interactions with the broader maritime world, providing a linguistic bridge between diverse regions.
Celebrating the Maritime Heritage
On the day of Boita Bandana, people gather at various water bodies—rivers, ponds, and beaches—across Odisha, especially near the coast in Puri, Cuttack, and other towns with strong maritime history. The festivities are marked by the lighting of lamps, singing of traditional songs, and the ritual release of small boats into the water, which are often decorated with flowers and lit with tiny oil lamps. These paper boats symbolize the ancient ships that carried goods and spread Odia culture across the seas.
In Puri, a grand procession is held, where people dress in traditional attire, carry replicas of boats, and pay tribute to the ancient maritime tradition. The rituals are accompanied by folk music, dances, and religious chants, creating a lively atmosphere that underscores the deep cultural significance of this occasion.
Odisha’s Maritime Legacy
The history of Odisha as a maritime power is not just symbolic—it is deeply rooted in the region’s ancient economy and global trade networks. The Kalinga Kingdom, particularly during the reign of Emperor Kharavela in the 1st century BCE, had a robust navy that facilitated trade with Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and even distant parts of Africa. Ancient inscriptions from the period reference the construction of large ships and the establishment of thriving port cities like Tamralipti (modern-day Tamluk in West Bengal), which served as major maritime hubs.
The strategic location of Odisha, with its long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, made it a center of maritime trade, and the people of Odisha became renowned for their expertise in shipbuilding, navigation, and trade. The region’s role as a cultural bridge between India and Southeast Asia is still evident today in the shared religious and cultural traditions across these regions.
A Modern-Day Relevance
In contemporary times, Boita Bandana serves as a reminder of the potential of Odisha’s coastline, which remains underutilized in terms of maritime trade and tourism. As India’s eastern gateway, Odisha’s ports, including Paradip and Dhamra, hold enormous promise for enhancing India’s trade links with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The resurgence of interest in preserving and promoting Odisha’s maritime heritage could pave the way for new economic opportunities, sustainable tourism, and regional collaboration.
Moreover, the celebration of Boita Bandana fosters a sense of community and pride among the people of Odisha, particularly in coastal towns where the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. By reviving these traditions, the people of Odisha not only pay homage to their ancestors but also reaffirm their connection to their maritime roots.
Conclusion
Kartika Poornima and Boita Bandana are not just religious festivals—they are a celebration of Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, its historical importance as a sea-faring state, and its deep cultural ties to regions far beyond India’s shores. The addition of Danga Bhasa as a unique historical marker further enriches the understanding of the cultural fusion that occurred through maritime trade. As the state continues to evolve, it is important to remember and celebrate the legacy of the ancient seafarers who charted unknown waters, facilitated trade, and brought prosperity to the land