NEW DELHI: Every year on Kartik Purnima, people in Odisha celebrate the festival of 'Boita Bandana,' also called 'Danga Bhasa.' On this day, they float miniature boats to mark the occasion.
On the eve of Kartika Purnima, the Kalinga Yuva Sena, a local volunteer organization, crafted nearly 1,000 eco-friendly miniature boats from an unexpected material 'cow dung', providing a sustainable alternative to the plastic and thermocol boats traditionally used in the celebration.
This tradition is celebrated by floating miniature boats made from banana stems, paper, and colored cloth in rivers, ponds, and the sea. The ritual honors the region's rich maritime history and the brave sailors who once ventured into the sea for trade.
"This festival is very unique when we recall the rich maritime history of Odisha when sailors and merchants known as ‘sadhabas' would start their sea voyages to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and other South-east Asian countries for trade. Women used to bid farewell to the seafarers by lighting lamps and singing the traditional 'Aa Ka Ma Boi' song," said Harapriya Prusty, a homemaker.
Decorated paper boats of various sizes, priced between Rs 50 and Rs 200, have replaced plastic and thermocol versions after government restrictions on non-biodegradable materials.
Police authorities have announced the deployment of adequate forces, including women personnel, at Gopalpur and Dhabaleswar near Golabandha to maintain law and order. Lifeguards will also be stationed at Gopalpur beach to prevent any untoward incidents.
As Kartik Purnima draws near, approximately 20 artisan families in Kendrapada are diligently crafting miniature boats, a tradition that honors Odisha's vibrant maritime heritage. The artisans have been working tirelessly for weeks in preparation for the festival.
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