Boita Bandana Utsav 2025: Odisha Celebrates Its Ancient Maritime Glory and Cultural Heritage

Boita Bandana Utsav 2025: Odisha Celebrates Its Glorious Maritime Heritage

In Chandbali and Dhamara, local youths reenact the historic sea voyages

CNB World Times

Odisha is a land of festivals. Not a single month passes without one or two celebrations. Each festival reflects the state’s rich culture, tradition, profession, and trade. People in Odisha celebrate not only their existing customs and culture but also the glorious history of maritime trade that dates back thousands of years.

One such festival is Boita Bandana Utsav, also known as the Worship of Boats Festival. Boita Bandana Utsav is Odisha’s grand celebration of its maritime past, when people honor ancient sailors by floating miniature boats on water bodies during Kartika Purnima.

The festival, Boita Bandana Utsav , is observed across rivers, ponds, and sea coasts in Odisha. It is one of the most colorful and ancient traditions of the state. The word “Boita” means boat and “Bandana” means worship or offering. Devotees chant the traditional song “Aa ka ma boi, pana gua thoi”, recalling the voyages of ancient Odia sailors.

The festival falls on Kartika Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika (October–November). It marks the end of the holy month of Kartika, during which people observe fasting and rituals.

Early in the morning, people gather near rivers, ponds, and sea shores to float small boats made of banana stem, paper, or cork. These boats are decorated with betel leaves, flowers, lamps (diyas), and coins.

Boita Bandana Utsav commemorates Odisha’s ancient maritime glory, when traders known as Sadhabas sailed to distant islands such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange. The festival symbolizes the sea voyages that once connected Odisha with Southeast Asia during the Kalinga era.

The grandest celebration takes place at Cuttack, on the banks of the Mahanadi River known as Bali Yatra, which lasts for several days. It is one of Asia’s largest open-air trade and cultural fairs, featuring handicrafts, food stalls, and cultural performances.

Historically, Odisha’s maritime trade began from the ancient port of Chandbali in Bhadrak district. The old port ceased operations many years ago as the navigation route became blocked. Today, the modern Dhamra Port (DPCL), owned by the Adani Group, stands nearby. Chandbali was once considered the gateway of Odisha, attracting travelers from different parts of undivided India and neighboring countries.

Remnants of the region’s maritime past still exist — including the black and white graveyards for pilgrims who died during pandemics, the old pilgrimage hospital (now a Community Health Centre), and relics like ship parts, anchors, chains, and artillery.

To honor these memories and celebrate Odisha’s seafaring legacy, people across the coastal belt observe Boita Bandana Utsav with great enthusiasm. In Chandbali and Dhamara, local youths reenact the historic sea voyages — dressing as Sadhabas, their wives, and their sister Tapoi. They board steamers decorated like ships and sail across the Baitarani River. Thousands gather along the shores to welcome the Sadhaba groups.

The cultural event is also organized by the socio-cultural group Aam Parampara at Kali Padia Ground in Chandbali.

However, the Dhamara celebration has recently become divided due to political rivalries. Three separate events are now organized:

 One by the Indian National Congress Party (INC) near the famous Dhamarai Temple.

 Another by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Gangamata Temple.

 And a third by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) behind the old hospital ground.

Each party organizes public meetings, cultural performances, Nrutyanatika (dance-drama based on mythology), and musical shows. Political leaders, MPs, MLAs, ministers, and cultural icons participate in these programs.

In 2025, the Congress celebration near Dhamarai Temple was attended by senior leader Panchanan Kanungo from Cuttack and Dr. Debasmita Sharma from Aul, along with thousands of supporters and visitors.

The BJD celebration featured former MP Manjulata Mandal, former MLA Prafulla Samal(Bhandaripokhari), Bishnubrata RoutrayBasudevpur), Muktikant Mandal(Dhamanagar), and renowned opera actor Piyus.

The BJP, which hosted the largest gathering, had dignitaries such as MPs Pradip Panigrahi from Berhampur and Abhimanyu Sethi from Bhadrak,  youth leader Priyaranjan Jena,  organizing committee president Upendra Roul along with thousands of supporters and visitors . The party also invited popular film and opera celebrities to attract large crowds.

The crowd this year was much larger than in previous years. The newly built Bansada bridge over the river helped people from distant areas reach the festival ground easily, leading to heavy congestion around the Dhamarai Temple, the bus stand, and the fishing harbor. Local police and administration worked tirelessly to manage the huge gathering. Organizers from all three committees arranged food and facilities for visitors.

Boita Bandana Utsav continues to promote Odisha’s maritime heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural unity, while also highlighting the state’s ancient connection with Southeast Asia.