Boita Bandana
(Worship of the Boats)

BOITA BANDANA UTSAB, is one of the most important socio-religious festivals in coastal Odisha, which provides vital information about Kalinga’s glorious maritime heritage. The Festival of Boita bandana celebrated on Kartika Purnima, the full-moon day of Kartika (October-November). The festival is celebrated to commemorate the glorious past of commercial sea journeys that were organized to the islands of Bali, Sumatra and Java. Glorious maritime past is remembered and celebrated symbolically.

History books say the Sadhabas (traders) from Kalinga, erstwhile Odisha, used to begin their business journeys to different countries through sea on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima every year.
Their family members used to gather on the sea shore to give them a grand farewell, wishing them good luck during their journey. The state celebrates the event even today. During this festive period, the idols of “Kartikeswar” are constructed and worshipped.

Product: Gopalpur handwoven Handspun fine tussar saree with gorgeous weaving palla / Anchal inspired by the Boita Bandana festival.

saree length 5.5 mts, blouse piece 90 cm