On the sacred occasion of Kartik Purnima, President Droupadi Murmu extended her heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha and devotees across the nation, marking the celebrations of ‘Baliyatra’ and ‘Boita Bandana’, two of the state’s most historic and culturally significant festivals.
In her message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the President wrote:
“Greetings to all, especially to the people of Odisha, on the auspicious occasion of the historic Baliyatra and Boita Bandana. Baliyatra is a symbol of Odisha’s glorious maritime trade tradition and cultural heritage. I believe that by drawing inspiration from our glorious past, we will work together to build a developed India.”
The twin festivals of Baliyatra and Boita Bandana commemorate Odisha’s ancient maritime glory, when Sadhabas—Odia traders and sailors—sailed across the Bay of Bengal to countries like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange.
Every year on Kartik Purnima, devotees gather along rivers, ponds, and coastal waters to float miniature boats made of banana leaves, paper, or thermocol, decorated with lamps, flowers, and betel leaves. The ritual, known as Boita Bandana, pays tribute to the state’s seafaring ancestors and invokes blessings for prosperity and good fortune.
The week-long Baliyatra fair in Cuttack, one of Asia’s largest open-air trade fairs, also begins on this day. The event celebrates Odisha’s maritime connections with Southeast Asia through art, culture, and traditional crafts.
President Murmu’s message resonated deeply with Odias worldwide, reflecting pride in the state’s heritage and optimism for India’s collective progress rooted in cultural unity and shared history.
