Kartika Purnima: Celebrating Odisha’s glorious maritime history

Bhubaneswar: Kartika Purnima, which falls on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika, holds significance for Odias as it commemorates Odisha’s past maritime glory.

Traders, called as Sadhabas, from this eastern state of India, then known as Kalinga, used to embark on voyages to southeast Asian countries and islands like Indonesia, Java, Sumatra and Bali for business.

While leaving for the journey, their kin used to perform special puja namely Boita Bandana for the safe return of the businessmen.

Though the ancient form of trade no longer is in vogue, the citizens here celebrate the spirit of the past glory with pomp and gaiety, symbolically with flowing of miniature boats in water bodies, followed by visit to temples early in the morning.

The boats are prepared out of banana stem and coconut stick, lit with diyas while betel leaves and betel nuts are kept on them.

People also take a holy dip namely Kartika Snana before floating the miniature boats.

Kartika Purnima also marks the conclusion of the holy month of Kartika. The month of Kartika is considered to be the most auspicious time in the Odia calendar. Starting on Kumar Purnima and culminating on Kartika Purnima, this month is that time of the year when a few distinct annual rituals are observed, quintessential of the Odia culture.

Also read– Kartika: 7 Auspicious Things That Odias Do During The Holy Month.

Kartika Purnima 2021 Date: November 19 (Friday).

Purnima Tithi Begins – 12:00 PM on Nov 18, 2021.

Purnima Tithi Ends – 02:26 PM on Nov 19, 2021.