Kartika Purnima is famously known as Boita Bandana in Odisha. This festival is observed during the full moon day of the Kartika month. On this auspicious day, devotees visit the nearest water body to float their tiny boats decorated with diyas, betel leaves, fruits, and coins. They prepare the boats using banana leaves and coconut sticks. People also take a holy dip, called Kartika Snana, before floating the miniature boats. The Kartika Purnima 2024 Date is 15th Nov 2024, Friday.
The festival commemorates the state’s glorious maritime history when it was known as Kalinga. During that time, tradesmen and mariners, known as sadhabas, sailed on biotas (boats) to trade with distant island nations. These nations, such as Indonesia, Java, Sumatra, and Bali, bordered the Bay of Bengal.
Significance of Kartika Purnima in Odia community
Kartika is a holy month that is culturally significant to the Odia Community. This month holds immense significance as devotes believe that it is the favourite month of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. People believe this month is a time for self-cleansing, allowing individuals to rid themselves of toxins and negativity. Some say that performing these rituals leads to salvation.
This month, married women worship the holy Tulsi plant to promote the prosperity and well-being of their families and households. During this month, most households refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food. Instead, they focus only on preparing and having Satwik Bhojan.
And, in this month, widows visit the holy land of Puri Dham to observe austerity throughout the Kartika month. They undertake the “Kartika Brata” during this time. As this is significant to the Odia community, the state government organises special arrangements to accommodate thousands of pilgrims.
Every morning, the sound of conch shells blowing and the “hulahulis” (a special sound made by women during auspicious occasions) fill the air. Locals say that even the cranes observe this month, refraining from eating fish. This belief reflects the sanctity of the period.
Fast During the Kartika Purnima
People who prefer to observe the fast have a special preparation of Satwik Bhojan called “Habisha,”. This not only excludes non-vegetarians but also eliminates vegetables. Moreover, they consume it only once a day. The worshippers were also allowed to have Mahaprasad from the Lord Jagannatha Temple, Puri. The widows who follow this ritual are called “Habisialis.”
The Vrat or fast of the Kartika Purnima continues till the traditional Panchuka ceremony, which is the last 5 days of the month, further concludes with Kartika Purnima.
History of Kartika Purnima
The festival has many significant mythological histories. Mainly, Kartika Purnima is observed as the manifestation day of Matsya. It is Lord Vishnu’s fish avatar and Vrinda who personifies the Tulasi.
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana tells the story of Tulasi, who was a gopi cursed to be born on earth as a princess and marry Shankacuda, who was an asura.
People widely believe in the purity and chastity of Vrundavati (Tulsi plant). She sustained the life of her husband, who did not follow any kind of dharma. Women believe they can gain the same merit by worshipping Vrundavati. This belief is rooted in the idea that the plant’s virtue brings blessings and protection.
According to other historical significance, Lord Jagannatha, along with his siblings, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra- transforms into several avatars during this festive period. Each day, the Universal Lord takes a special avatar. The final day is especially significant when the Lord appears to His devotees in the “Rajarajeswar Avatar.”
The Full Moon Day of the Kartika month, known as “Kartika Purnima,” is the most auspicious day celebrated all over the state. On this day, the “Sadhabas,” or merchants of Odisha, used to sail to distant lands, primarily South Asian nations, to conduct business. Even today, Odias observe the ritual of “Boita Bandana” to honour this glorious past. This tradition celebrates the maritime history of Odisha, once known as Kalinga. The ritual serves as a commemoration of the state’s rich trading legacy.
How Kartika Purnima Is Observed in Odisha?
This festival is one of the richest Odia traditions of the state. On this special day, Odias gather at water bodies early in the morning to sail handmade boats crafted from banana trunks. The scene is magical, with the boats gliding on the water, their little lights flickering as dawn breaks. This picturesque sight enhances the enchanting charm of the holy month.
Kartika Purnima – one of the great Festivals of Odisha, is the final auspicious day of the sacred month for those who observed the sacred rituals of Kartika Purnima Vrat. This is one of the prominent festivals of Odisha, which every Odia celebrates with devotion throughout the month.
