Cuttack: The maritime ritual of ‘Boita Bandana’ was observed by Odia across the State on the occassion of Kartik Purnima after a Covid-induced gap of two years. Women and young children were seen floating tiny banana, paper or thermocol boats to remind past glory of Kalinga (Odisha).
In olden days the ‘Sadhbas’ (sea traders) used to go distant islands like Java, Sumatra and other South-East Asian islands for business. Women in the family bid them adieu on this day with a celebration on the banks of rivers and the Bay of Bengal.
The rhyming phrase that they keep humming while letting the boats float is: “aa ka ma boi, pana gua thoi, pana gua tora, masaka dharama mora”. It is actually a prayer to keep the mariners safe during their voyage with the blessings earned during the Kartik month.
Kartik Purnima is also called the Deva-Diwali or Deva-Deepavali. According to a legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva killed a trio of Asura brothers, Tripurasura on this day by taking the avatar of Tripurari. When Tripurasura was killed, Gods were overjoyed. They celebrated the day of Kartik Purnima as Diwali and paid obeisance to Lord Shiva’s triumph over the demons.
Kartik Purnima is significant also for the Jain and the Sikh communities. On this day Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith was born. This year, the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev will be celebrated. On this day, Jains go on a pilgrimage to Palitana, a holy site to worship Lord Adinath.
