Cohen International School sails miniature boats on ‘Boita Bandana’

Bhubaneswar:  Students of Cohen International School in Jatni, today observed ‘Boita Bandana’ by sailing miniature boats in the pool inside the school campus here.

The miniature boats that the Coheites sailed were environment friendly, narrated a school staff.

“The glory of Odisha’s maritime heritage is acknowledged by ‘Boita Bandana’. This means ‘sanctifying of boats’. On this occasion, Sadhavanis (women of the merchant community) of ancient Odisha used to give hearty see off to Sadhavas (merchants) by singing Aaa, Kaa, Maa, Boi.. and worship the boita (boat) wishing for their well-being before they would embark on the long and arduous journeys to distant islands for trading. To recall this voyage of Odisha traders and mark the rich maritime legacy of ancient Odisha, we the Cohenites sailed our miniature environment friendly boats in the pool inside the campus,” said a faculty member.

“On this auspicious day of Kartik Purnima along with our sincere prayers, we believe in keeping our ancient tradition alive and environment friendly as well,” he added.