“Aa ka Ma Bai, Pana Gua Thoi, Pana Gua Tora, Masaka Dharama Mora” - Boita Bandana - Kartika Purnima

A night before Kartika Purnima, I thought of making a miniature boat for my daughter for the Boita Bhasani next day morning. In the making, my inquisitive little one put forward so many questions, that was flash back for me down the memory lane, that I once asked my parents.

While I was placidly facing all her intrigued quizzing, it was evincing enough for me to unfold the tale...

Odisha is soaked with a rich ancient maritime history. Traders known as Sadhabas used to sail off in huge boats called Boitas from the ports of Odisha to the distant ports of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo (Indonesia) and Sri Lanka to trade silk fabrics, spices, perfumes and diamonds from Sambalpur river beds (Hirakud’s name origin proves it). The then Sadhabas, would take advantage of favorable winds and sea currents in the winters to sail their Boitas to distant lands. Their expeditions would traditionally begin on the day of Kartika Purnima, which usually is the full moon day in the month of November.

The Sadhabas were given hearty von voyage for the safe passage and well-being before the onset of their expedition by saying “Aa Ka Ma Bai……………” which symbolizes the Odia months i.e. Asadha, Kartika, Margashira & Baisakha. While the period from Asadha to Kartika was the season of outgoing journey and Magha to Baisakha was considered to be the season of return. Those days are gone now, but the memory is still alive. 

The memory of those expeditions are kept alive in the festival of Boita Bhasani & Bandana, and to reminiscence the unforgotten glory of the Sadhabas of ancient Odisha, miniature replicas of the sea faring boats are made. Men and women dress in traditional costumes, light lamps in the boats and afloat them in the nearest water body. 

A fair called Bali Jatra (“Journey to Bali”), is held and celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm on the banks of the Mahanadi River at Gadagadia Ghata in Cuttack. It’s an extravaganza of eight days that begins from day of Kartik Purnima. More than 1000 makeshift stalls showcase ethnic goods along with modern gadgets, food stalls and lot more, drawn from across the state and outside. Thunka Puri and Dahi Bara Aludum are the major gastronomical delights that attract many.